Flea market prohibition irks operators
This comes after various markets opened their doors claiming that regulations allowed them to, while others were uncertain on whether they could open or not during the level 3 national lockdown.
The Tshwane metro has reiterated that flea markets were prohibited from operating in the city.
This comes after various markets opened their doors claiming that regulations allowed them to, while others were uncertain on whether they could open or not during the level 3 national lockdown.
“Markets might be allowed to open during national lockdown level 2, we will have to await guidance from national government,” said the metro’s spokesperson Lindela Mashigo.
“According to section 37 (1) all gatherings are prohibited during national lockdown level 3 except church services, funerals, agricultural auctions, workplace for work purposes, and non-contact sports under certain restrictions.
“Therefore, flea markets are not permitted during national lockdown level 3.”
Mashigo said in terms of section 46 (1) all businesses and other institutions were allowed to operate under national lockdown level 3, including street traders.
This was provided that they complied with all relevant health protocols and social distancing measures set out in directions were adhered to, in addition to the occupational health and safety directions issued by the cabinet member responsible for employment and labour, and applicable labour legislation.
He said informal street traders were expected to obtain a trading permit from the metro’s economic development and spatial planning department in order to operate.
Informal street traders are required to comply with their trading permits and operate between 06:00 to 18:00.
Mashigo said the decision for flea markets to remain closed was not made by the metro, but was part of the regulations guided by national government.
“We do not make them up as we go. National [government] makes the regulations and we at a municipal level implement them,” he said.
He appealed to market owners to adhere to the regulations to help prevent the spread of the Covid-19, which has infected more than 18 000 people in Tshwane.
Rekord has been inundated with calls from market owners, some of whom expressed disappointment that informal traders were allowed to trade, but they were not.
“Ultimately, what is the difference between a flea market and an informal trader?” the owner who asked to remain anonymous asked.
“We are classified under the same umbrella of informal traders but we are told that we should not operate.
“We can also take the same precautions.”
The owner said there were different markets that offered service similar to stores such as fruits, vegetables and clothes.
He questioned why these was not even given a chance to operate within the bounds of the safety measures.
“Some markets offer what retail stores offer, things like clothes and shoes and that in principle is similar to going to a clothing store buying and leaving.”
READ MORE: Street vendors may operate but flea markets remain prohibited
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