The West Rand Informal Traders Forum (WRITF) that consists of street vendors from Randfontein and other parts of the West Rand have put their foot down.

This after a decision was made that they will be asking foreign nationals to vacate their shops sometime this year. This was revealed at a meeting this past weekend where the WRITF and Sutherland Association joined forces to ensure that this is done. A memorandum of understanding also was signed in that regard.

Forum member Simon Mathysen says, “This will empower informal traders by making sure that they too have formal premises to trade on.”

“This also will make their businesses recognisable. Informal traders often are overlooked and their businesses are hardly ever recognised where it matters most, and this troubles us,” Mathysen says.

“It is because of this that we felt the need to start shaping the West Rand and this can be done by taking back from foreign nationals what belongs to us, however, we will not use violence when doing this. Instead, we will be buying formal stands from them to ensure that our mandate is met,” Mathysen continues.

“Having formal trading premises will boost local businessmen and the economy at large,” Mathysen adds. 

According to him, this also will help fight the element of crime, among other pertinent issues.