Clean-up operation in Polokwane CBD upsets traders

POLOKWANE – Non-compliant traders in Polokwane’s central business district were left frustrated following local law enforcement clean-up operations in which officers confiscated illegally sold goods and closing down stalls seemingly operating without valid licences.

Polokwane Municipality spokesperson Thipa Selala says traders should at all times be in the possession of their trading certificates, while street vendors have their trading permits authorised according to standards of municipal bylaws.

“The on-street trading permit does not expire but it has a monthly service fee while the company trading permit should be renewed on an annual basis,” he says.

On November 23 some hawkers expressed dissatisfaction about how their products, mostly fruit and vegetables, and furniture were mishandled and mixed up because it would be difficult to identify upon paying a R500 claiming fee at the municipality to release their items.

Mokgadi Lestoalo, one of the vendors told Polokwane Observer that she still continued selling after losing a purse with her street vending certificate, identity smart card, and banking card inside, and could not renew immediately.

Letosalo says it was only unfortunate that she fell victim to her own circumstances when her items were confiscated, but had she not continued to operate even after losing the certificate, she would struggle to provide food for her children.

Law enforcers attached to the police, Community Safety Department, and the municipality moved across each street in the city central, ensuring that everyone complied with applicable regulations and that the use of substance abuse is nipped in the bud.

Municipal by-laws prohibit traders from carrying out businesses in Market Street, corner of Rissik and Church streets, Landdros Marè Street, Thabo Mbeki Street, Grobler Street, Biccard from Suid to Thabo Mbeki streets, Biccard from Bodenstein to College streets, Nelson Mandela Drive, all streets within residential areas, Marshall Street, Suid Street and corner of Rissik and Paul Kruger streets.

However, the set by-laws did not stop traders from selling mostly sweets, fruit and vegetables, and ready-made food items.

Polokwane police spokesperson Captain Lesiba Ramoshaba says the operation is an ongoing process with traffic officers and the municipality to reinforce safety and compliance.

“We are guided by circumstances around each place at a specific period and we are only responsible for Polokwane policing area,” he remarked.