Buy local also has rules and regulations
The local law enforcement unit took to the streets and some vendors, unfortunately, had to close early for business as their goods were confiscated.
Early in the morning, before the sun opens a lazy eye, street vendors are already buzzing around.
Fires are lit for big cast iron pots in which mealies will soon be boiling. The wooden framed cubicles covered with plastic are quickly cleaned out with a grass broom. Others wipe off the dusty table on which they will pack containers filled to the brim with ‘vetkoeks’ baked early in the morning.
Most street vendors are the sole providers of income for their households, securing food on the table and paying for school fees.
Every day is a hustle these roadside entrepreneurs know well.
But just as any other business, street vendors also have a string of rules and regulations they have to abide to.
Loitering, not-up-to-standard make-shift kitchens and general hygiene is some of the factors putting a spanner in this well-oiled business.
Emalahleni Local Municipality undertook a project to ensure street vendors abide by the street trading bylaws.
On Thursday, March 4 the law enforcement unit took to the streets and some vendors, unfortunately, had to close early for business as their goods were confiscated.
“There are 14 points under which general conduct of street trading falls. It ensures the safety of the public and the trader. No one can for instance trade in a street where a fire hydrant or hose reels are obstructed. No one can trade at the entrance or exit of a building of vehicular traffic. These are just some of the points,” said Mr Lebo Mofokeng municipal spokesperson told Witbank News.
Hawkers licenses for street trading in meals and perishable foodstuffs will in the future be strictly monitored.
Mr July Mgidisi from the local municipality is the to-go-to person if you want to apply for a vendor’s permit. He can be contacted on 013 690 6911.
For more insight into the street trading bylaws you can go to https://www.emalahlenilm.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/STREET-TRADING-BY-LAW.pdf
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