AN operation by the Umlalazi Municipality to enforce trading by-laws in eShowe was met with mixed reactions.
On Tuesday morning municipal officials and police confiscated goods from unregistered traders and issued verbal notices to those with goods obstructing the pavement along Osborn Road.
Those with illegal goods had their merchandises seized.
While officials insist the exercise was to curb crime and rid the town of illegal traders involved in selling unlawful goods and substances, some didn’t welcome the operation, venting their displeasure on social media.
‘This is really painful, our families depend in this money for survival,’ said Nothy Mzilikazi Kamashonabe on Facebook.
‘So now what is the plan to assist them? I am certain no one who had other means of income would opt to sell goods on the road. This is not for fun; people are hungry out there,’ commented Nobuhle Sweetness Maphumulo.
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But residents applauded the municipality for taking action.
‘At the taxi rank you need a permit to have your taxi operating and also need to join the association.
You also need a permit to trade on the streets – no permit, no trading and that’s the law,’ said Sbongakonke Mntungwa.
‘As painful as it may be to lose something that brings income to feed one’s family, a ‘big ups’ to the municipality. Our streets are dirty. Hope and wish all municipalities can have a clean-up,’ posted Nomvelo Xulu.
Responding to the flood of comments, Umlalazi Municipality Communications Manager, Mkhuseli Buthelezi said most of the illegal traders were foreign nationals.
He said the municipality had received many complaints from commercial shops about illegal traders blocking their businesses entrances.
‘Many of these traders are here illegally, so part of the campaign also involves checking first with Home Affairs if the individuals are refugees or legal immigrants. Traders can apply for permits. It takes only a day and is renewed on an annual basis at Home Affairs,’ Buthelezi said.
‘Many traders obey the law which must apply to all equally. The police only confiscated goods until the illegal traders obtain the necessary permits and are allocated approved places of trade.
‘The municipality assists them to register and obtain permits to trade, but will not allow the trading of illegal goods and in unapproved places.’
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