The Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality (FTLM) has taken a decision to temporarily close the Tubatse Hawkers Association (THA) offices.

Following allegations of public scamming, the municipality said on December 4 that they were left with no choice but to temporarily close the offices, which are situated on Dirk Winterbach Street in the CBD and belong to the municipality.

“These allegations point to the possible illegal allocation of municipal land, exploitation of informal traders and a direct violation of municipal by-laws and council-approved processes,” said the FTLM in a media statement.

The municipality said it is further disturbed by claims that hawker stalls, built and funded by FTLM to support the informal trading sector, were being treated as privately-owned property and sold to unsuspecting community members.

Traders also alleged that they were requested to pay fees, ranging from R50 to R500 without being issued receipts, by individuals claiming to represent the FTLM.

On December 12, Maila conducted a walkabout at the Burgersfort hawker stalls to interact directly with informal traders operating in the area.

“We are working well with the municipality because we were officially allocated trading space. What we are requesting is storage facilities where we can keep our equipment safely after work,” said one barber.

During the engagement, traders raised concerns relating to waste management and requested the provision of a skip to assist in keeping the area clean.

Maila clarified the municipality’s position and emphasised accountability and lawful conduct. “The hawker stalls were constructed to provide shelter, safety and dignity to informal traders. Maintaining a clean and orderly trading environment is a shared responsibility between the municipality and the traders,” he said.

He further cautioned traders against unofficial payments: “The municipality does not authorise the collection of any fees outside of approved processes. Traders are urged not to make payments to anyone claiming to represent the municipality without proper verification and an official receipt.”

FTLM spokesperson Mahlako Komane said: “The public is advised that hawker stalls in the CBD are not for sale and remain the property of the municipality. No individual, group or association has the authority to sell or allocate municipal trading spaces.”

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Komane emphasised that only the municipality may allocate land or trading spaces that it owns, and that anyone wishing to conduct business or engage in informal trading must approach the FTLM directly through lawful and approved channels.

Anyone who wishes to trade in town is advised to approach the municipality for proper guidance on lawful trading policies.

It was stated that the FTLM will conduct a formal investigation into these allegations to determine the extent of the irregularities and ensure that appropriate corrective measures are taken to safeguard the interests of informal traders and the community.