OPINION: Small businesses and livelihoods under threat

The Port Shepstone Human Rights Centre (PSHRC) was called in to assist a number of small businesses that have been threatened with closure or hefty fines of up to a million rand.

The affected businesses are in Ward 16, where several home industries, small enterprises, eateries and workshops are said to have received notices.

We have engaged with a number of affected businesses, property owners and workers who have expressed concern at the heavy-handed manner with which the
‘Enforcement Section’ of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) has been threatening livelihoods.

During our preliminary engagement, we found that these small businesses cater for the needs of the local community in addition to providing much-needed jobs to a number of individuals who otherwise would be unemployed.

The PSHRC board has tasked Human Rights Activist, Selvan Chetty to represent the affected workers, business owners and ratepayers.

During consultations with some of the affected business owners, Chetty indicated that he will engage with RNM.

He further stressed that RNM is ordinarily a caring municipality, however Chetty said ‘it is unfortunate that the official representing RNM at the law enforcement section had failed to show any compassion or understanding of the impact of business closures on the lives of struggling workers and ratepayers’.

As an organisation, we are concerned that livelihoods of people are being threatened, and while we will negotiate with the municipality for a win-win situation, we will also prepare to take this battle further if needs be. We hope it does not come to that.

The PSHRC is currently preparing letters to the relevant RNM departments, as well as the political leadership to place a moratorium on all and any action against the affected businesses until the conclusion of discussions with RNM leadership.

PASTOR BONGANI KHUMALO
Port Shepstone Human Rights Centre

RESPONSE: Issue is under investigation, says RNM

The matter is receiving attention, to establish the facts. The municipality is indeed a caring institution, which is governed by certain prescripts that regulate the conduct of both business and private individuals. A full statement will be issued once the investigation has reached finality.

SIMON APRIL
RNM spokesperson

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