Hawkers and muni in a sub-letting dispute

A COMPLAINT has been lodged regarding the illegal use of a building meant to be used by the Tubatse Hawkers Association.

This was according to the association’s spokesperson, Chris Nkwana, who alleged that some members of the steering committee rented out the building for personal gain. In spite of this, no action has been taken to deal with those responsible for the illegitimate use of the building.

The contractor reportedly had an agreement with some members of the hawkers’ steering committee to occupy the building from May 15 to September 15 is still utilising it.

The contractor had apparently been paying R3 500 to the steering committee members involved in the agreement of renting out the building. This happened after the contractor had applied for a permit to rent the building and the municipality rejected the application. The letter stated that the building was strictly to be used by the Tubatse Hawkers Association and not to be rented out to any organisation or party.

Their period for renting the building is nearing its end, while the Greater Tubatse Municipality confirmed that the contractor had to vacate the premises on August 4.

The municipality sent the contractor a letter informing him to vacate the building or face legal action. But neither the contractor nor the members of the steering committee are facing any legal action.

Tubatse Hawkers Association chairperson, Anna Masete said she did not know who benefitted from the rent.

Municipal spokesperson, Thabiso Mokoena said the building was given to the hawkers to use as their offices.

“It is unfortunate that it has been given to someone in exchange for money. However, we have escalated the matter to our legal unit for advice and soon we shall communicate on how the matter was resolved,” Mokoena said.