Food hawkers next to the R23 plead for negotiation
Eight women are willing to improve their food trade environment in negotiations with Ekurhuleni to once again put food on the table.
Eight female hawkers find themselves between a rock and a hard place since EMPD informed them that they’re no longer permitted to sell food at their favourite spot.
The removal pertained to health and safety measures in terms of by-laws.This spot, offering a wide range of traditional foods prepared by each vendor, used to be located on a dirt sidewalk near the corner of R23 and R21 in view of the DHL business park.
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Representing the collective of breadwinners, Lebogang Maphothoma, approached the Express with concerns and plans to adapt to the City of Ekurhuleni’s by-law policies to allow them to continue earning an income.
These women face responsibilities; children and lifestyle expenses (like car instalments) amid a pandemic and are desperate to reach an agreement of compliance to survive.
“The EMPD officials paid a visit mid-October and claimed that our health and safety measures do not permit the sale of food. This was about water and sanitation by which we are compelled to have portable toilets and running water.”
On February 2, these women met with Express at their spot to illustrate their challenges and willingness to improve their trade environment.
“We have regulars, especially truck drivers, who pass by between the industrial parks who ask us when we are coming back. We have good businesses and used to get temporary permits at the civic centre,” explained one of the senior figures, Tebogo Lesufi (56).
“The EMPD advised us to re-apply for temporary monthly permits; we again completed all our documents and applications.
Our problem is that the civic centre phoned us to say that our applications were unsuccessful, without supplying reasons in print.
”Lesufi argued that if they were supplied with hard copy instructions that will make future applications successful, they would follow through.
Moloka Morena (34) told Express that since November, they have job hunted to make ends meet.
“It’s extremely hard to find a job and I used to have a business that previously gave 10 people work.”
In addition to Morena’s 10 workers, Lesufi had four workers and the other collectively had four workers. One might wonder why they don’t simply relocate to a different location.
“Officials told us that we were allowed to hawk at a spot near the R21 where we may trade, but it’s too dangerous with fast traffic. Our customers are not able to safely stop and buy our food, so they drive past. There’s also less hungry pedestrians.”
The group also agreed that if the City of Ekurhuleni was to tell them that it is privately owned land, they would like to lease a piece of land to trade.
“If there is an owner – we would be willing to meet with them to discuss terms,” Lesufi added.
On February 2 the Express sent a media enquiry to City of Ekurhuleni, requesting answers to the hawkers’ plea.
The deadline for comment was February 9. No comment has been received.
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