Alexandra traders fear eviction as councillor misses meeting
Alexandra traders, facing eviction, closed their stalls for a meeting with their councillor, only to be left fuming when he could not show up.
Alex traders, operating between Alex Mall and the Engen Garage in Alexandra, gathered to attend a meeting with Ward 105 councillor Tefo Raphadu. The meeting, which was expected to take place on Thursday, was intended to address the looming threat of eviction of the vendors from the site.
The traders are facing a court order, issued by Koebill PTY LTD, the registered owner of the property the vendors have built their stalls on, and served on September 2. The order, which refers to the vendors as: ‘Unknown unlawful hawkers’, authorises the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s land invasion unit to dismantle illegally built structures on the site.
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According to records from the deeds’ registration system, Koebill purchased the property in 2014, nearly six years after some vendors began operating in the area.
In response to the looming evictions, scores of vendors closed their stalls and convened at Raphadu’s office in Alexandra, hoping to find a resolution.
Their frustrations grew, however, when Raphadu was unable to attend the meeting due to an unforeseen illness, leaving concerns unaddressed.
“How long must we keep closing our shops to come here? This won’t help. We won’t leave until we get assistance,” said vendor Kulani Mavundza.
Felicia Chauke, a representative of the traders, expressed the group’s growing anger. “We came peacefully, but now we’re frustrated. If we leave without help, we’ll return with allies and mobilise in numbers to resolve this.”
Chauke emphasised that this was the first official meeting Raphadu had agreed to, but his absence followed a pattern of unavailability. “We’ve come to his office multiple times, but he’s never here.”
During a heated phone call with Raphadu, Chauke pressed him to apologise for not attending. Raphadu, however, maintained that he couldn’t apologise for falling ill.
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He confirmed to Alex News that the meeting was scheduled, but he caught flu was unable to attend. “Remember, you don’t know that you will fall sick. It is not predetermined. If you tell them before time that would mean it is predetermined.”
The traders resolved to seek assistance from Ward 116 councillor Adolph Marema to facilitate a meeting with Raphadu. They hope Marema’s involvement will lead to productive discussions with Raphadu and, ultimately, a resolution with Koebill PTY LTD.
Alex News reached out to Koebill PTY LTD through the company’s attorneys for comment. Further updates will be provided once they become available.
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