Bogus trader permits to be investigated
‘We have been reliably informed that ward councillors have been issuing illegal permits to spaza shop owners.’
The use of Tshwane council equipment to “issue” bogus trader permits will be investigated, said Tshwane head administrator Mpho Nawa.
“This matter was brought to our attention on Wednesday,” Nawa said.
Such lawlessness was unacceptable and he condemned it strongly, he added.
“Under no circumstances should individuals profit at the expense of residents who seek to make an honest living through trade.”
He said to determine the facts surrounding the matter, the metro was committed to referring the allegation to the relevant law enforcement organisation.
“No stone will be left unturned to bring to book those who willfully undermine the law, especially as the metro implements every measure at its disposal to respond to the needs of residents during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Nawa.
Nawa said informal traders were also encouraged to continue applying for special permits as Thursday was the last day to do so.
“The metro’s economic development department has demonstrated commitment to seeing this process through, with 1 895 special permits registered since Monday.”
ALSO READ: Covid-19: Pta informal traders to apply for special permission
He said that he looked forward to further engagements with the metro’s informal traders and to establish the additional support they required going forward.
This as the DA Tshwane mayoral candidate Randall Williams urged action from the metro to stop ANC councillors from allegedly issuing the bogus permits to spaza shops.
Last week, cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma announced that licensed spaza shops would be allowed to sell essential goods during the lockdown period if they have a valid permit from their municipality.
“According to Tshwane’s bylaws, councillors do not have the authority to issue permits,” said Williams.
“Only municipal officials can issue the permits.”
Williams claimed the DA had been reliably informed that ANC ward councillors in Tshwane had been issuing illegal permits to spaza shop owners.
“This is in direct contravention of the bylaw. Immediate action should be taken against these councillors.”
He said the metro must take strong action against the alleged perpetrators, as this was a serious health and safety risk if informal traders were not assisted and regulated in terms of the bylaw and Covid-19 regulations.
ANC regional secretary Eugene Modise said his organisation had noted reports and allegations that former councillors were issuing permits to informal traders.
Modise said the ANC strongly condemned any acts of illegality by any of its members.
“Internal investigations will be conducted to get to the bottom of the allegations,” he said.
Modise said commensurate action would be undertaken once the investigation had been finalised.
ALSO READ: East non-compliant liquor traders in hot water
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
