Hawkers resurface on the other side of Winnie Mandela after being removed last week
The informal traders were told to pack up and leave Winnie Mandela Drive, and they did. But not for long. They have now popped up just across the road, sparking a new round of law enforcement by JMPD.
Informal traders operating along Fourways Boulevard and Winnie Mandela Drive found themselves at the centre of a heated public debate last week after the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), in collaboration with the Fourways Mall management and Ward 94 councillor David Foley, requested that they vacate the area.
Their removal sparked a social media frenzy, with residents and commentators debating whether enforcement of provincial road trading bylaws should be strictly implemented or handled with a measure of negotiation, as was seemingly the case.
Read more: Authorities target hawkers and taxi drivers at Witkoppen Bridge
Foley, however, has welcomed the outcome, saying the message was clearly received and that the hawkers have since cleared the space.
“We did not want to be aggressive with them because we understand that they are human and trying to make a living. So, there was no need for us to just take their belongings. But that would be the case after these warnings if they persist.”
Foley said the request for their removal was not only based on the legal prohibition against trading on provincial roads, but also tied to a broader vision for the area.
Nicho Mbhumi from Fourways Mall is in the process of transforming that corner into a vibrant public garden, a beautification initiative that has already begun to take shape.
“I am so happy that the traders have got the message, they are not even trying to go back to the area or cause trouble. From the garden side, my work is not done yet because I need to add trees. I have done what we have already agreed on in terms of the garden.
“This shows that teamwork is dream work. I love the way we have approached the matter together with the authorities,” said Mbhumi.
@caxtonjoburgnorth Ward 94 councillor David Foley gives an update on what’s next after they successfully removed informal traders on Winnie Mandela Drive last week. #Ward94 #Fourways
♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North – Caxton Joburg North
But the story didn’t end there. Mbhumi said on June 23, JMPD officers were once again deployed to the same vicinity after the hawkers reappeared on the opposite side of the road, still within proximity of Fourways Mall and, crucially, still on a stretch classified as a provincial road.
“Officers issued a formal warning, reiterating that trading on such roads remains illegal, regardless of which side of the intersection is used.”
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