Port Shepstone informal traders’ stands destroyed
Deputy chairperson of the traders, Zinhle Skhahlane says the municipality does not want to work with them.
Members of the Port Shepstone Informal Traders Committee believe that Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) destroyed the ‘tables’ from which they sell their goods at the long distance taxi stand in Nelson Mandela Drive in Port Shepstone.
They say on arrival at their stands last Thursday morning, they found all their tables were demolished and no-one could give them an explanation as to why.
Secretary for the traders, Nomvume Mdisho, said they are being abused and neglected as informal traders.
She added that they were told that the structures are informal, however, they have also been waiting on RNM to help them with proper stands.
According to Mdisho, when the mall was built, they were promised that they would trade from inside, but they can’t because their customers are where the taxis are.
Deputy chairperson of the committee, Zinhle Skhahlane, said RNM does not want to work with them.
“It’s painful to see what’s happening here, I started selling here when I was in Grade 9. We have children to feed and some have children that are going to university next year, so every cent we make every day counts.”
Skhahlane urged the municipality to assist them.
Meanwhile, spokesperson for RNM, Simon April said the office that is responsible for informal traders has no information on the destruction of any shelters.
“This means that for now, the municipality can neither confirm nor deny such an incident, however, an investigation will be conducted. There is an office responsible for the informal traders, and those who are registered are aware of that, and we would encourage them to engage with it on any matters that they may have challenges with.”
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