Street vendors outside Fourways Crossing on Sunrise Boulevard said they have been subjected to harassment, threats, and even removal from their trading area after being told they cannot operate along a provincial road.

One of the informal traders, Lindiwe Mothali, said this is a move that has left many of them losing business and pushed them to launch a petition for their rights.

Read more: Hawkers moved off R55 as Ward 94 intensifies no hawking on provincial roads

In the petition that is currently circulating for signatures, the hawkers argue that despite their vital role in creating jobs, feeding families, and providing affordable goods to the community, they are often treated unfairly and denied the dignity and protection promised in the Constitution.

The petition, titled Petition for the Protection and Support of Street Vendors in South Africa, outlines a series of grievances, including harassment allegedly by law enforcement, security officials overstepping their roles, the lack of designated trading spaces, expensive or inaccessible trading permits, and the absence of basic facilities such as shelter, water, and waste disposal.

“We call upon the councillor to work with us in creating fair policies and conditions for street vendors to trade with dignity, safety, and respect,” the petition stated.

Also read: Displaced but not defeated, hawkers vow to fight for their spot

Mothali said they are calling on Ward 94 councillor David Foley to address their concerns, although the petition has not yet been submitted and is still open for more community signatures.

Among their demands are:

• Inclusion of two hawker representatives in municipal meetings.
• Designated safe and legal market spaces for trading.
• Protection from harassment and unlawful confiscation of goods.
• Formal recognition of the informal trading sector as a key contributor to South Africa’s economy.

The petition draws heavily on the Bill of Rights, arguing that hawkers’ constitutional rights, including equality, human dignity, property, and freedom of trade, are routinely violated.

It also talks about confiscation of goods allegedly without due process, exclusion from fair trading opportunities, and alleged harassment by authorities which contravene the Constitution.

“While municipalities may regulate street trading through by-laws, these must be constitutional, reasonable, and fair,” said the hawkers in the petition.

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