EFF demands halt to enforcement against Tzaneen informal traders
The EFF has called on the Greater Tzaneen Municipality to halt enforcement operations against informal traders in the CBD and along the R71.
TZANEEN – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Greater Tzaneen Subregion has called on the Greater Tzaneen Municipality to immediately halt enforcement operations against informal traders in the Tzaneen Central Business District (CBD) and along the R71.
The call follows the municipality’s demolition and removal of structures used by hawkers operating in Tzaneen and along the R71. The EFF argues that the enforcement operations are being conducted in a manner that infringes on the rights and dignity of informal traders whose businesses provide essential income for their families.
‘What is dirt to you is survival for them’
In a statement, the EFF said municipal by-law enforcement should be carried out in accordance with prescribed legal procedures and due process.
It warned that removing traders without providing lawful alternatives could further undermine the livelihoods of people who depend on informal trading to feed their families and support their children’s education.
“What is dirt to you is survival for them,” the EFF said.
What the EFF demands
The EFF has put forward several demands to the municipality, including:
- An immediate suspension of enforcement actions that do not comply with legal procedures
- A halt to further action until alternative trading arrangements are provided
- Street traders operating along the R71 should be allowed to return and be assisted in complying with traffic laws while trading
- The municipality should provide alternative trading spaces for affected traders and issue trading permits so that informal businesses can operate legally and with dignity
Commitment to rule of law
The EFF said it remains committed to upholding the rule of law while protecting the livelihoods and constitutional rights of residents.
The party has urged the municipality to engage with it urgently to find a solution to the dispute and prevent further disruption to the livelihoods of informal traders.
Greater Tzaneen Sub-Regional Chairperson Raymond Lefuphana and Secretary Theresa Mathye were listed as contacts for further information and queries.
