While the rate of unemployment increases in South Africa, more residents are turning to informal trading on sidewalks to earn money.
These informal traders are mostly found in the Central Business District (CBD) in every town.
Standerton is no different, hawkers sell anything from fruit and vegetables to clothes and even open vendors to cut hair.
They do not pay rent or tax and as a result their expenses are less and they can sell their goods and services at a cheaper price.
Some of the informal traders sit outside small businesses and sell the same merchandise.
Even though this is illegal, traders are sprouting like mushrooms all over town.
According to a large supermarket in town, they are a huge irritant and when the police, who are apparently responsible for regular spot checking, are informed, nothing is done.
Mr Sipho Mkwanazi, municipal spokesman was asked about the municipal bylaws as well as who’s responsible for law enforcement, but he could not comment at the time of going to press.
