In an effort to revitalise the CBD and support businesses, Mogale City, in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health, hosted a programme at the Krugersdorp Taxi Rank.

During the engagement, stakeholders met with vendors to discuss steps toward creating a safer and more functional business environment.

A key focus of the programme was sanitation and cleanliness, particularly for vendors selling perishable goods at the taxi rank. Officials also emphasised the importance of trading legally using valid permits and complying with municipal by-laws.

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According to Maikuto Mmdhuli, a health inspector from the Department of Health, safer food practices contribute to safer communities. She encouraged vendors to obtain a Certificate of Acceptability, which must be produced when requested by law enforcement.

“The certificate will ensure that people operate within the law. It is the responsibility of vendors to avoid buying food items with broken, torn or damaged packaging, including dented, bulged or leaking cans. It is also important for vendors to ensure that their shop or caravan is kept clean at all times,” Mmdhuli said.

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Zamahlubi Ngidi, from Integrated Environmental Management, explained that vendor by-laws are local regulations governing street trading and informal businesses. These laws require vendors to obtain permits, follow rules regarding conduct and stall placement, and meet certain criteria such as legal residency.

Key aspects include:

• Permits and licences: Issued by municipalities and required for legal trading. This may include an application process, an application fee and a trading fee
• Stall placement: Vendors must avoid obstructing pedestrian movement, emergency access points such as fire hydrants, and certain restricted buildings
• Operational conduct: Vendors must keep their trading area clean, ensure their equipment is safe, and avoid displaying goods on private property without permission
• Verification: Many cities require identity and eligibility checks before trading
• Compliance: By-laws also address food safety, equipment use and – where applicable – proof of legal residency for foreign nationals