Safety vs livelihoods: Vendors react to ZCC’s trading restrictions
The ZCC enforced strict safety rules at its New Year conference in Moria, leaving local traders without their usual income boost.
POLOKWANE – While the Zion Christian Church (ZCC)’s New Year consecration conference attracted thousands of pilgrims to Moria this weekend, and was expected to significantly boost economic activity, many local street vendors and small business owners say they were left out of the benefits.
This comes after the church implemented strict restrictions on informal trading and vehicle parking along the R71 road between Matshelapata in Mentz and Mphogodiba, citing safety concerns due to the heavy traffic typically experienced during the event.
The decision, though aimed at protecting lives and ensuring smooth traffic flow, was met with disappointment by vendors who rely heavily on income generated during large gatherings.
ZCC spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe clarified that the church is not opposed to small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), but prioritised safety.
“We urge travellers to avoid moving during high-risk periods such as late nights and ask pedestrians to use designated pathways to avoid accidents.
The ZCC is not in any way against the SMMEs, this is merely a safety precaution,” said Ngoepe.
The economic blow was deeply felt by vendors as a street trader from Ga Mamabolo explained: “We wait for these big church gatherings because that is when we make better income. I’ve been selling along the R71 for more than a decade. Now it feels like our livelihoods don’t matter.”
Some residents suggested that the church could have introduced designated selling zones to accommodate vendors while maintaining safety. Others, however, supported the church’s stance, citing a history of accidents along the road during previous gatherings.
Community member Silas Mehlape of Matshelapata said he thinks the strict measures taken by the church were a good action. “It has saved many lives because there has been no accident this past weekend.”
The church coordinated with the Department of Transport and Community Safety to implement the safety plan.
MEC Violet Mathye appealed to road users to prioritise safety: “Drive with patience, care and respect for others. I wish you a peaceful stay and safe return home,” she said.
The event concluded without major incidents, but the debate continues between maintaining public safety and supporting local economic activity during major gatherings.
