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

“They removed us so that they can plant trees,” declared hawker Blessing Melambo, a statement that encapsulated the anguish many traders feel as they were forcibly cleared from the busy intersection at Winnie Mandela Drive and Fourways Boulevard.

The removals, executed by the JMPD following a call from Fourways Mall, Ward 94 councillor David Foley, and the intervention of the Fourways Improvement District officers, are part of a beautification project envisioned by the mall.

While the hawkers, including Mlambo and Fatima Mashaba, acknowledge that the land belongs to the mall’s proprietors, the emotional and economic toll is palpable. “It’s really painful,” said Mlambo, voicing the frustration of traders who have long depended on the foot traffic and commerce of this bustling location. “We really do not mind getting a designated area where we can pay rent and keep clean. We have been here for a long time and leaving just like that is not easy for us.”

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But not all the traders are willing to take this removal lying down. “We are not just going to move quietly this time around,” said Lindi Mothali, vowing to seek guidance from various government departments.

Mothali, and fellow traders, are demanding, not only a right to their livelihoods, but also a seat at the table in future decision-making processes. “It’s painful, because we get our items from the mall,” said Margaret Seanego, highlighting the close economic ties that bind them to the mall’s ecosystem.

Seanego said she has spent decades trading at this intersection, and she laments that her removal now endangers her ability to support her grandchildren. “We just need them to show a little compassion and work with us, because we are also customers at the mall.”

Foley, at the time, said the law is clear, hawking is not permitted on provincial roads. He also confirmed that the removal of the hawkers was lawful.

Also read: Lonehill residents create ‘Garden of Eden’ at shopping centre with indigenous plants

Trees to bring shade and beauty, but at what cost?

In a few short months, a soft, green canopy of Celtis Africana trees will stretch over parts of Winnie Mandela Drive and Fourways Boulevard. Hardy, evergreen, and low-maintenance, the species was specifically chosen to line the streets leading up to Fourways Mall as part of the beautification project which is now in full swing.

The trees, 200 in total, were donated by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo to enhance the environment around the mall. They’re being carefully planted by local landscaping company, We Serve Landscaping, headed by Ishmael Mutileni

His team has already begun work along the key arteries surrounding the mall, including Cedar Road. “These are not just any trees,” Mutileni explained. “Celtis Africana are perfect for urban spaces. They don’t damage infrastructure with their roots and they stay lush during their season. In just a few months, this area will be transformed.”

Also read: Fourways resident fed up with eye sore vendors taking over Winnie Mandela Drive

The project has been championed by Fourways Mall representative Nicho Mbhumi, who described the current phase as a milestone. “I’m very happy, because this is what I needed to see. We want to improve the aesthetic of the mall for the community, environment, and people who are coming to the area. I can’t wait for them to bloom and show off their beauty.

“We understand that the informal traders are trying to make a living, but law enforcement is also important. We were very understanding when we were enforcing the law. Nobody’s goods were impounded. We simply explained why they can’t be here,” said Mbhumi.

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