However, small business have been asked to operate within the bylaws.
This following the impounding of a vendor’s stock in Midrand on 2 March, after the Metro police found him operating illegally. Metro police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar was unable to give details with regards to this case specifically.
“He must have contravened one of the bylaws,” he said, following the Metro police’s tweet about the incident.
He said there was no crack down on street vendors. “There has always been around Gauteng, including Midrand,” said Minnaar. According to the superintendent, street vendors are not allowed to trade on narrow pavements as they would force pedestrians to then walk on the road. They are also not allowed to trade in front of a government building, places of worship, at the entrances of shops and where vehicles enter and exit.
Those who had the misfortune of having their goods impounded could get them back, but at a fee. Perishable goods, which would be fruits, vegetables and cooked food, would cost the owner R1 125.00 to retrieve. Non-perishables such as clothing and toys would cost the owner R2 370.
Minnaar also reminded vendors that the police could not be held liable for the condition in which the goods got back to them.
Are you a small business owner? How are bylaws hampering your business? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
