Hawkers with permits to sell in eMbalenhle are upset about forceful removal
Informal traders near the eMbalenhle Mall accuse the municipality of dishonesty and abuse after officials forcefully removed them and confiscated their stock.
Street hawkers trading near the eMbalenhle Mall have accused the Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) of dishonesty and abuse after their forceful removal on October 17.
Municipal law enforcers allegedly confiscated their stock and cash during the operation. The hawkers claimed that the GMM had issued them valid trading permits, renewed annually, allowing them to operate legally.
They added that they were shocked when law enforcers, accompanied by Region Three manager Robert Mashiane, arrived without prior notice to remove them.
The traders claim that when they went to the GMM offices to request access to their confiscated stock in hopes of recovering their losses, officials refused.
They further alleged that during the operation, some law enforcers and GMM officials used xenophobic slurs, telling them to “go back to their home countries”, despite some being SA citizens.
Hawker Nelson Ngomane, who has sold maize in the area for 17 years, said he feels betrayed by the GMM.
“It’s been 17 years selling here, but now I’m forcefully removed. This is my livelihood, but the municipality doesn’t care. My family’s survival depends on this business. I pay for services, take my children to school, and support my family through this stall,” said Ngomane.
Ngomane said the same institution that is supposed to protect them is the one suppressing them.
“They claim they support small businesses, but in reality, they kill them. How can they give us permits to operate and then forcefully remove us?” asked Ngomane.
Ngomane called on the GMM not to compare small township traders to major retailers. Thoko Ndlovu, a mother of six, said she can no longer support her children because the GMM confiscated her stock.
“I’ve been selling perishable fruit and vegetables here for the past 20 years and am complying with all the municipal requirements. My stock and money are now gone, without being given notice or a reason.
“What will my children eat? This is my only source of income. These same people who begged us for our votes are the ones destroying us,” said Ndlovu.
Ndlovu said she was scared when the law enforcers arrived at the stalls, and claimed they swore at the hawkers and some kicked stock before confiscating it.
“It was a nightmare seeing a woman enforcer swearing at us.”
Donald Green, the GMM media liaison and content development officer, confirmed the operation. He said it targeted illegal hawkers trading on Lindiki Nxiweni Drive in front of the eMba Mall and the nearby taxi rank.
“This action comes in response to a growing number of complaints received by the regional manager’s office and on social media from licensed shop owners and community members, who raised concerns about obstructed walkways, safety hazards and sanitation issues linked to unregulated street trading,” said Green.
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He added that the operation also addressed taxi operators obstructing pedestrian walkways.
“The municipality is not against informal traders, but trading must take place in designated zones and in line with municipal by-laws. Traders are urged to follow the proper processes to obtain the necessary permits. Compliance ensures that trading is conducted legally and in designated trading zones,” Green explained.
Township Economy By-Law
Green stated that the GMM’s Township Economy By-Law creates a fair and regulated environment that promotes inclusive economic growth, and that the initiative aligned with sections 152(1) and 153(a) of the Constitution, which mandate municipalities to promote social and economic development.
Some of the by-law’s objectives:
• Facilitating inclusive spatial and economic development in townships;
• Harmonising township business environments through clear norms and standards;
• Raising awareness of applicable laws and regulations for township enterprises;
• Supporting small businesses to grow and access broader markets;
• Ensuring hygiene, waste management and safety compliance in trading areas.
Green stressed that while the municipality supported small businesses, it must also ensure that trading occurs in a safe, clean and regulated environment.
