Polokwane Muni cracks down on illegal street trading

POLOKWANE – The Polokwane Municipality has reiterated that trading outside private properties – including sidewalks, municipal roads and open spaces – is strictly prohibited under the street trading bylaw.

This announcement comes in response to complaints from residents in areas such as Flora Park, Penina Park, and others, where the recent sale of fast food on sidewalks has raised concerns.

Residents report that mobile kitchens on the sidewalks have contributed to untidiness and have attracted groups of people who, in some cases, have been linked to criminal activity.

In Flora Park, a resident suspected that illegal substances were being sold alongside fast food. In Penina Park, a teenager reportedly lost their phone while waiting for a food order, leading to a case being opened by the authorities.

The residents are calling for the removal of these mobile food vendors from their areas.

Thipa Selala from the municipality stated that while the reported crimes are concerning and are being addressed legally, no exemptions are granted to those trading without permits.

Even those with permits must strictly adhere to the law, he said.

“We urge those interested in trading within designated areas to visit the Local Economic Development (LED) office on the ground floor of the civic centre to enquire about permit requirements and application procedures,” Selala explained.

Mobile shop vendors Polokwane Observer spoke to in these areas, all confirmed that they had been granted permits to sell prepared food at designated times, and assured residents that they are following the law.