Hawkers’ eviction on Winnie Mandela a no-go
The traders arrived at their usual trading spot in the morning in fear, following warnings issued by JMPD officers last week that they would be removing them from the area.
Informal traders operating along Winnie Mandela Drive said they were distraught and confused after bracing for a forceful eviction that did not happen.
On July 7, the traders arrived at their usual trading spot in the morning in fear, following warnings issued by JMPD officers last week that they would be removing them from the area. However, they waited for hours with no sign of law enforcement.
When Fourways Review reached out to Ward 94 councillor David Foley for clarity, he said he was not aware of any scheduled operation.\
Also read: Law vs livelihood: JMPD removes informal traders from Winnie Mandela Drive
Despite the relief that no eviction occurred, the traders said the ongoing uncertainty and lack of communication from authorities have left them feeling disregarded.
“All we need to know is where we can go after being moved? We just need to have a conversation and reach a solution to this situation,” said one of the informal traders, Lindiwe Mothali.
Mothali said they needed to be involved in the meetings about the decisions of their livelihoods. However, Foley maintained that the law left little room for negotiation. He cited Section 47 of the Constitution, which prohibits hawking on provincial roads.
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“We’ve been lenient. We’ve never confiscated their goods, even though the law allows us to. We know they are trying to make a living, which is why we’ve tried to engage with them. But it is not safe, the speed limit on the provincial road is so high that it can endanger their lives.”
Mothali concluded they were willing to follow proper channels so that they could continue to hawk, “I have done my research on what to do. I’m planning to visit the Economic Development office and also reach out to the Roads Department MEC to help us obtain permission to trade here.”
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