The management of street trade activities in the CoE mostly depends on the laws accompanying the Informal and Street Trade Policy Management Framework (ISTPMF).
This system guarantees adherence to Environmental Health Regulation 638 and the by-laws governing street commerce. It also encourages informal trade to be done in an organised manner.
In recent years, Ekurhuleni has seen increased informal street trading, indicative of the municipality’s changing economic environment. Due to this growth, informal vendors are now acknowledged as vital providers for communities, particularly those with lower incomes.
Several laws regulate street trade, including:
The EMPD Street Trading By-Laws define the guidelines that oversee the many aspects of street trading operations.
Guidelines for Environmental Health 638: In accordance with this rule, the person in charge of a food establishment must receive training in food safety, hygiene principles and practices.
Additionally, the Economic Act 71 of 1991 establishes the legal framework for all economic activities, including street dealing.
You must have a valid trading permit provided by the city’s Economic Development Department to engage in street trading. This permission is valid for a year. If you behave well, you can renew it.
The process to obtain a street trading permit:
• Application submission: Traders must submit an application form with a certified copy of their ID and proof of residence.
• Document verification: Once the application is submitted, it is verified for correctness and then circulated to the EMPD and Environmental Health for comments.
• Payment of fees: If comments recommend issuing the permit, the applicant is notified to pay R231.
• Permit issuance: Upon submission of the proof of payment, the trading permit is printed and signed by the necessary authorities, including the Customer Care Centre manager, the manager of Business Regulations and Compliance and the head of the Economic Development Department.
The process takes about 13 days, but the law permits a maximum of 21 days for permit issuance. Street vendors in Ekurhuleni must abide by several rules to retain their permits. Regular EMPD inspections guarantee adherence to the by-laws, and infractions could lead to fines or property confiscation.
According to the CoE spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, traders must manage their waste by keeping clean water in appropriate containers, disposing of waste correctly, and cleaning up after themselves. Traders must attend frequent training courses and renew their permits every 12 months. If they don’t comply, they might not see them renewed.
“When selecting trading locations, traders must ensure their sites do not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic and comply with sanitation standards, especially for food trailers, which must include wastewater and refuse management provisions,” he said.
The city stresses that the ISTPMF aims to give street vendors a balanced environment and ensure public safety and order. Without worrying about law enforcement seizing their goods, street vendors can operate lawfully by understanding the rules and taking the necessary action to get trading authorisation.
To secure the sustainability of trading endeavours and growth chances, traders must remain informed about their responsibilities and compliance requirements.
Informal street trading permit applications are available at all Customer Care Centres of the CoE. Those interested in street trading can access the application forms online.
Call the CoE Customer Care Centre on 086 054 3000 for more information.
