“Operating illegal businesses within the agricultural holdings will not be tolerated.”

Ward 25 Clr Marinda Beukes issued this stern warning after the swift closure of an unregistered business on Birch Road, Marister, at the beginning of October.

According to Beukes, approximately 200 businesses operate illegally in Marister, Putfontein, and Bapsfontein, with outstanding fines exceeding R150 000.

“One-hundred-and-eighty-eight of these businesses are located in Bapsfontein and operations include freighting and logistics, earthmoving equipment, vehicle repairs, liquor outlets and general supply stores,” she said.

“Operating these businesses is deemed illegal because the owners did not apply for the necessary re-zoning permits. Operating businesses that are not agriculturally-related within these areas, without the necessary permits, will face closure.”

Victory for residents
Beukes said the closure of a vehicle spares and auto body repair shop on Birch Road was a victory for the community.

She said that since the business started operating at the beginning of the year, neighbouring residents had inundated her with complaints about the burning of suspected hazardous chemicals.

Linda Stedman said, “My sister suffers from acute asthma. Her breathing became strained. The ongoing burning of chemicals severely compromised her health. We have lived here for 23 years, but we considered moving. The smell was unbearable.”

Heeding the desperate calls from Linda and other residents, Beukes filed the complaints with the CoE’s head of City Planning and the EMPD.

On September 18, stakeholders from various municipal departments, including the EMPD’s By-Law Enforcement Unit, did a spot search at the property. Their findings indicated that the business owner was burning industrial solvents and chemicals, which posed a risk to air quality and the health of others.

“In line with the municipal by-laws, it was further found that the business was operating illegally, upon which City Planning issued a seven-day notice to cease all operations,” said Beukes.

“Work at the property has since come to a standstill, and we have been informed that the business is relocating.”

Follow the process
Although labelled as an enemy of small business, Beukes said she was committed to promoting economic growth in her ward, but only if the people followed the correct channels.

“Benoni has one of the largest agricultural holdings within the CoE. Living here means you have the benefit of rural living a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of the city,” she said.

“Illegal businesses threaten the solitude of plot-living and place unnecessary pressure on the area’s fragile infrastructure. Heavy vehicles cause irreparable damage to already crumbling roads. It further strains the electrical, water and sewage systems.”

Beukes invites community members to send complaints about illegal businesses to her via WhatsApp on 082 920 1548 and encourages these businesses to engage with her to access the correct channels.

“This success has proven that, as a community, we can bring an end to these business practices. I do not want to jeopardise anyone’s business, but it is time to get your house in order,” she said.

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