Street Hawkers within the West Rand have established the West Rand Informal Traders Forum in an effort to protect themselves from law enforcement officers who allegedly abuse their rights.
This was revealed in a meeting held at the Randfontein Taxi Rank on 20 August.
The forum consists of street vendors from Randfontein, Westonaria, Carletonville, Roodepoort and Mogale City.
According to the forum’s President Ben Letseka, they have decided to take matters into their own hands.
“Over the years we have been abused by law enforcement officers who would come to our stalls and confiscate our goods, stating that we are breaking municipal bylaws.
“What they failed to understand was the fact that we had no knowledge of the municipal by-laws of this town.
“That is because they have never been communicated to us.
“Most of us have been trading here for almost 30 years now and we continue to suffer at the hands of law enforcement officers,” says Letseka.
Owing to this, the traders have over the months met with the relevant authorities to guide them on how to resolve this matter.
They say that they have established their own policies but are adamant that these will not undermine those of the council.
“What we re trying to do here is run our own businesses without any negative interference from law enforcement officers.
“What we are doing is not crime, we are just fending for our families in a correct way.
“Over some time, we hope to contribute to the country’s economy as well as create job opportunities,” says Letseka.
