Informal traders vacated on streets
Councilor Vino Reddy appeals for compliance when it comes to informal trading.
In an effort to address concerns raised by the community regarding the growing number of informal traders in the Pineslopes and Fourways areas, Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy took action.
To mediate the issue, he organised for environmental health inspectors to conduct compliance checks on the vendors situated at the corner of Sunset Avenue and Forest Street on April 5.
This move was aimed at ensuring that the vendors operate in adherence to the relevant regulations while promoting a safe and healthy environment for the community.
He said he does not have an issue with informal traders and understands that they are trying to make a living, however, there are by-laws that need to be followed.
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“We are faced with several issues when it comes to waste control. We noticed that some informal traders dispose of dirt on the pavements. We have seen too many of them who concentrate on these areas. The by-laws clearly indicate that no one should open a business on provincial roads which makes it illegal,” said Reddy.
He said that people who wish to open businesses in the area should go to the city opportunity centres and apply for a license.
“We found that many of them are operating without licenses. And going to the city opportunity centres will help in guiding them on where they can trade without contravening the by-laws.”
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Hans Jooste the managing director of a non-profit organisation named Future City Fourways said they had another clean-up of informal traders at the corner of Sunrise Blvd and Sunset Avenue.
Shortly after the clean-up, he said they put on a temporary fence to help them to improve the area for the benefit of the community.
However, the fence was damaged. Jooste reminds the community about what the by-laws state.
“You may not erect a structure other than one approved by the council for this purpose. Make sure it does not obstruct pedestrian and vehicular movement. You may not trade on a sidewalk where the width of such sidewalk is less than four meters within five meters from an intersection.”
The media spokesperson of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department Superintendent Xolani Fihla could not be reached for comment despite multiple follow-ups.
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