War declared on illegal hawkers in Tzaneen
THE CONTROVERSIAL and highly frustrating hawker situation in Tzaneen once again came under the spotlight on Monday when a meeting between several role players were held at the municipal offices.
The meeting was very efficiently chaired by Maggie Machumele of the GTM and attended by senior staff members of the municipality, the Tzaneen Chamber of Commerce, Business Against Crime, the Community Police Forum, SAPS representatives, business owners in the Tzaneen central business district and others.
Notably absent was any representative from the hawkers associations.
Apparently they could not attend because “it was month end”. During the meeting it was noted that the hawkers failed to attend numerous meetings in the past and it was unanimously decided to proceed with the meeting despite the hawkers being absent.
The meeting listed several matters to be addressed, including the revival of the hawkers’ forum, the general management of the informal sector, the renewal of permits for hawking and policing hawkers to restrict and curb illegal trading.
The meeting decided that this month (June) will be hawker policing month and steps will be introduced with immediate effect to address the current chaotic situation, particularly in the CBD.
SAPS and enforcement agencies of the municipality will work together to normalize the situation and to implement drastic measures to remove illegal hawkers and to prosecute them.
Currently permits for 55 hawkers in Danie Joubert Street has been approved and 16 spaces have been painted and demarcated for hakwing.
However, more than 160 hawkers operate there on a daily basis. Demarcated areas are ignored and access to sidewalks, parking bays and even entrances to shops are restricted due to illegal hawking.
It is also abundantly clear that hawkers do not adhere to the products listed on their permits and a variety of items are sold which is not permitted.
It was agreed that the situation deteriorated dramatically over the past four years due to the lack of policing and enforcing of by-laws and regulations.
This will hopefully change very soon and SAPS, the municipality and the courts are committed to curb the problem and to restore law and order.
During the meeting there was disagreement between senior municipal officials on the availability of “no hawkers” signs.
One was of the opinion that sufficient signs were available in the store rooms while the other said he was informed that no signs were available and they were not currently in a position to order.
Business representatives offered to sponsor paint to clearly demarcate designated hawking areas and will also assist if finance is required to order the restriction sign boards.
The initiative to solve the hawking problem and to remove illegal hawkers will be directed by Director Obby Mbhombo and he can be contacted on 072 234 4691.
