In areas such as Rosettenville and Turffontein, some of the people engage in informal trading to sustain themselves. But while doing so they sometimes step on the wrong side of the by-laws.
According to the authorities, there are by-laws which govern any structure or situation in residential areas. Food handlers and outdoor barbers in particular are not exempt from these by-laws.
We visited some of the these “illegal businesses” in the South to find out more about their daily challenges and what can be done to find common ground between them and the authorities.
The business owners agreed that the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JPMD) was their worst nightmare. Most of the time the owners trade in an area they are not supposed to be in. The JMPD then either removes them or confiscates their goods or puts a stop to the service they are rendering.
FIRE: Open fires are not permitted within a residential area.
BREAD AND BUTTER
“It is hard to recover your stuff once the JMPD have confiscated it, because you need to pay a certain fine. With the little we make here daily it is almost impossible to afford to pay that fine. We are trying to make ends meet here. We believe we are making an honest living, unlike someone goes out and commits a crime. Our families depend on us for survival,” one trader said.
All the owners of “illegal businesses” we spoke to agreed that their clientele are local people and they have built a good rapport with them. Though they do not adhere to most of the by-laws, they confirmed that the people are satisfied with the services they render.
They said they would appreciate the community’s help.
“We need a secure place like those makeshift tents or gazebos. Also the necessary education pertaining to our business, as this will increase our knowledge, allowing us to serve our people with pride and dedication. It is not easy for us, but we are thriving under trying circumstances,” the owners said.
HAIR: The barbers says they clean the hair after every shave in the street.
STREET HYGIENE
Region F environmental health practitioners shed some light on the dos and don’ts when it comes to street hygiene.
Before the environmental health department can even start engaging with these issues, informal or street traders need to contact JMPD to get permission to trade on that specific spot.
Informal traders may not to block traffic. Obstruction is prohibited.
Once that has been cleared then a prospective businessman/woman can apply for a business trading licence and a certificate of acceptability (COA).
OPERATIONS: Mirrors on the floor with scattered hair around them.
The department will assist in making sure that all the requirements are met. For instance, if the trader sells food, the following must be adhered to:
• A caravan, makeshift tent or a gazebo is a must.
• The work surface must be smooth, elevated and non-absorbent
• Protective clothes such as light-coloured aprons, hair nets and beard guards must be on at all times. Food handlers are not allowed to use jewellery, have long nails or use nail polish.
• A cooler box must be used to store food so that the cold chain is maintained.
• A hand-washing basin and liquid soap must be used.
• Food tongs must be used.
• There must be fresh water and a drum where used water can be poured into and discarded in a safe place.
• The business must be close to public toilets.
• Refuse bags that can be collected by Pikitup or a private company must be used.
• Certificates must be displayed all the times.
• If you are using a vehicle to distribute food, it needs to have the certificate of acceptability as well.
• Most importantly, the place must be kept place clean, raw food must be separated from cooked food, and food must be cooked thoroughly and kept at safe temperatures. Safe water and raw materials must be used.
BARBERS
When it comes to mobile barbers, it is a big no. No one is allowed to cut hair outside a salon.
JMPD
JMPD superintendent Wayne Minaar said traders need to know that they cannot trade anywhere they please.
“They need permission. Trading in areas where they may obstruct either drivers or pedestrians is unacceptable. It is also important for people to know that they cannot trade anywhere near an ATM, places of worship, an entrance to a public building and 5m within an intersection. They are also not allowed to trade on pavements that are too narrow.
“JMPD is not the one issuing the certificates but the Johannesburg Property Company,” he said.
For more information contact Region F Environmental Health offices on 011 681 8060.
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