Fourways informal traders seeks permits from transport MEC
Over a decade of trading in Fourways, Blessing is finally calling for official permits to operate legally on provincial roads.
For more than 10 years, Mutsemi Tichavhona, known as Blessing, has been a familiar face among the informal traders in Fourways, earning his livelihood through his roadside stall.
However, recent efforts by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), the Fourways Improvement District, and Ward 94 councillor David Foley to remove informal traders operating illegally on provincial roads between Winnie Mandela Drive and Boulevard Road, just before Fourways Mall, have left Blessing and others uncertain about their future.
Read more: Law vs livelihood: JMPD removes informal traders from Winnie Mandela Drive
Blessing has now made a heartfelt plea for assistance in obtaining a trading permit from the Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport.
“I’ve been trading here for more than 10 years, and I just want to do it legally. I’m not trying to break the law, I just want to earn a living and support my family.”
Blessing explained that they opt to operate on busy roads because it is a good chance for them to make decent money. Blessing has a trading permit that allows him to trade only on municipal roads.
However, without a letter from the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) of Gauteng, he is operating illegally on provincial roads as Winnie Mandela Drive, Cedar Road, Witkoppen Road, Main Road, and the R55 roads a designated for traffic and transportation, not commerce.
Foley explained, “Section 47 of the Gauteng transport legislation clearly states that no food trailers, hawkers, or vendors are allowed on provincial roads unless they have a letter from the Transport MEC. Currently, the MEC said she has not issued any such permits.”
He added, “All activities on these provincial roads are against the law and need to be addressed. The JMPD BMU, the regional team, and Gauteng provincial police will continue enforcement to ensure by-laws are upheld.”
Foley also indicated upcoming efforts to address hawkers from Fourways Boulevard to Broadacres Drive on both sides of the road.
“The Fourways Improvement District is working tirelessly to clean and clear the area, but traders need proper permits to operate legally,” he said.
Fourways Review reached out to the Gauteng MEC for the Roads and Transport office for comment. More information will be provided once it becomes available.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
