Frustrated motorists, pedestrians and business owners in the Mbombela CBD are demanding action against illegal informal traders and roadside mechanics occupying public spaces.

Although the City of Mbombela (CoM) has recently removed several containers and caravans used for trading, many have returned and others remain in place.

Residents and business owners say enforcement has been inconsistent, allowing the problem to persist.

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Illegal vehicle repair operations have also become a growing concern, particularly along Anderson Street, where mechanics repair vehicles on public roads and pavements. Parked and dismantled vehicles often obstruct traffic and pedestrian movement.

Informal traders selling a variety of goods are commonly found on Brown, Bester, Andrew, and Henshall Streets.

Business owners say some traders operate directly in front of shops, displaying goods on public walkways and blocking entrances. They also claim that some traders approach customers before they enter stores, encouraging them to buy from pavement stalls instead.

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Several businesses have lodged complaints with the municipality, arguing that the continued occupation of public spaces creates unfair competition and limits customer access. They have called for stricter enforcement of municipal bylaws.

CoM spokesperson Joseph Ngala said the municipality is aware of the issue. “Work is being done. We can only do so much due to limited resources. Other cases have been referred to the courts, and not all matters are the same. Our citizens must rest assured that all transgressions will be dealt with accordingly,” said Ngala.

Some informal traders, however, say they have little choice but to operate on pavements because that is where their customers are.

Alfonso Ntibane, who sells cellphone accessories on Brown Street, said unemployment had forced him into informal trading.

“We are not stealing from anyone. We are just trying to make a living. I know we are not allowed to trade here, but we have nowhere else to go,” Ntibane said. “I looked for work, but because I am not a South African, I could not find a job. Selling here is how I support myself.”

Shop owner Ibrahim Bhatti said compliant businesses continue to suffer as illegal traders sell similar products, often right at their entrances.

Roadside mechanics also admitted to operating illegally but said they could not afford workshop rent. They added that municipal officials had confiscated their tools on several occasions, forcing them to buy replacements so they could continue earning a living. They said many of their customers could not afford formal repair shops.