Ledet MEC determined to clean up illegal sector

LIMPOPO- The MEC for Economic Development, Environment, and Tourism (Ledet) Rodgers Monama, is of the view that economic reconstruction efforts require immediate, coordinated and tough action by Provincial Government if he is to assist citizens in reclaiming township and rural business space to create much-needed jobs.

Monama recently attended a raid on spaza shops and liquor outlets in Lulekani Matiko-Xikaya village, where he witnessed the apprehension of many business owners operating illegally.

Recent complaints from local community members about the selling of expired goods, the trend of rubbing-off and re-stamping alternative expiry dates on consumable goods, the selling of foreign or unapproved goods, sleeping in supermarkets, counterfeit consumables, unregistered businesses and undocumented business owners necessitated the MEC to shift his focus to this sector.

In cleaning up illegal operations, Monama said he believes that locals, especially the youth, will benefit from the gaps created in the business sector.

He said a number of spaza shops and liquor outlets were visited.

“This is not a once-off drive, but a continuous exercise we will run with law enforcement agencies, Home Affairs, the Consumer Board and a dedicated unit in the department. Visits will be done to verify operating licences.”

He said several illegal gambling machines and expired goods had been confiscated.

Commenting on working conditions, he said it was also found that business owners who rent space often close the front windows which then doesn’t allow for proper ventilation.

“We are not xenophobic, but we do want to ensure that all people who live in our province comply with the terms and conditions of the licences that Ledet and the Liquor Board issue. In line with our department’s Township and Rural Economic Programme, we fully support SMME’s, but we must make sure they comply with all regulations and prescriptions applicable to the sector,” he said.