Windscreen washers will have to find another way to make a living.
Though it’s deemed as a municipal bylaw infringement, windscreen washing for Moss Matsila has always been his way of making a living.
“Washing windows is the only way I know how to make a living,” said Matsila.
However, according to Democratic Alliance Shadow Member of Mayoral Committee for Public Safety Councillor Michael Sun, it is unlawful to wash windows for a living at intersections.
Sun stated, “While we are mindful of people who are trying to make a living and those who have to resort to trading on the streets, we cannot condone any kind of unlawful activity.”
Sun added that the problems with windscreen washing are due to the high unemployment rate in the country.
He added that motorists complained that window washers are notorious for their aggressive behaviour – they insult drivers, spray soapy water on the windscreen, or even damage the wiper blades.
“The ANC government must deliver on their promise of creating job opportunities for people.”
However, Matsila, who has been window washing for many years now, says the law will affect him.
“If Government doesn’t want us to wash windows then they should make a plan for us and find us jobs because we will end up just sitting around and doing nothing,” said Matsila.
Another window washer also said, “We are trying to make a decent living and if they implement the law then that means we will be desperate and start being criminals. For me, washing windows means I stay out of prison,” he said.
