TZANEEN – In an ongoing effort to restore Tzaneen’s central business district (CBD) to its former state, the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM), together with local law enforcement, recently conducted a clean-up operation targeting illegal street vendors.

The operation focused on Danie Joubert and Morgan streets, areas now crowded with informal traders selling everything from fruit and vegetables to clothing, cellphone accessories, and even offering services like hairdressing and photography. Many of these traders operate without the required permits, contributing to a growing problem of congestion and disorder in the CBD.

According to the GTM, the campaign was prompted by numerous complaints from licenced business owners who say they follow the law and pay operating fees, while illegal traders continue to run businesses unchecked. Residents have also voiced frustration, describing the area as dirty and chaotic, and saying they no longer feel safe walking through the busy streets.

Also read: Illegal vendors take over Tzaneen CBD

Danie Joubert Street, in particular, has become heavily congested in recent years, making it difficult for pedestrians to move around freely. One resident remarked that the situation has worsened to the point where they actively avoid passing through that part of town.

Municipal spokesperson Vutivi Makhubele told the Herald last year that the municipality has only 75 legally demarcated vendor sites within the CBD, yet more than 200 traders are operating in the area.

By law, street vendors are required to obtain a permit from the municipality before trading. In addition, they are expected to maintain cleanliness around their stalls, avoid obstructing foot traffic, and stay clear of trading in parking areas. The use of megaphones, speakers, shouting, or singing to promote merchandise is also prohibited.

However, many of these regulations are openly ignored, particularly by clothing traders, some of whom, according to reports, are foreign nationals.

Also read: Tzaneen CBD congestion worsens as illegal vendors rise

During the recent enforcement drive, municipal officials removed illegal hawkers and confiscated their equipment. Offenders were told to visit the municipal offices to pay fines and apply for or renew their trading permits to reclaim their goods.

Despite these efforts, the municipality faces ongoing challenges. Within days of the clean-up, many of the removed vendors had already returned to the same spots, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining long-term compliance. Similar campaigns have taken place over the years, but with limited lasting impact.

The municipality has long promised to create a designated trading area for legal vendors, but those plans have yet to be implemented. As a result, many traders feel they have no other option but to continue operating illegally.