“The municipality should attack those who do not pay rates and taxes before attacking those who are paying towards a municipality that is very inefficient.” Those are the sentiments of an Estcourt businessman after receiving a letter from Umtshezi Municipality advising businesses owners that action will be taken against those who display goods on pavements.

The letter was sent on January 26 and read as follows: “Kindly note that extreme measures will be taken on all business/shop owners displaying goods on the pavements of all streets within the Umtshezi Local Municipality jurisdiction. You are given until February 2 …to remove all goods from all pavements.” This letter angered a business owner who questioned why legit businesses are being “targeted.” He eluded to the street vendors whose display tables and vehicles have made the central business district pavements and streets their permanent business space.

“What action is taken against those who do not pay rates and taxes and whose vans and mini trucks occupy parking spaces and block off the sidewalks and corners of most streets? Municipality officials have no work, they are targeting the business owners who pay municipal rates and taxes monthly,” said the business owner.

Responding to the resident’s concerns, Municipal Manager Nonhlanhla Njoko said: “The letter was issued by the municipality to local businesses in accordance with the municipal bylaws and conditions of their business licenses in accordance with the Business Act.”

Ms Njoko added that the informal traders had been consulted too. “The municipality is engaging with the informal traders to secure compliance, meaning that the informal traders have also been consulted about their contravention of bylaws.” Although the time period given to business owners for compliance has passed, Ms Njoko said that the municipality would be ensuring that both business owners and informal traders are complying with the request “shortly”.