Over 150 informal traders gained valuable insights about the amended informal trading policy at an education and awareness session organised by the Department of Economic Development in Region F. The event was designed to educate informal traders about the recently amended informal trading policy and increase awareness of compliance aspects, including environmental health by-laws and street trading by-laws.
The session was attended by representatives of City entities such as the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC), the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), and Pikitup.
It was also supported by ward councillors Zanele Nyembe (ward 62), Jack Sekwaila (ward 64), Norman Mmbengwa (ward 23), Rickey Nair (ward 58) and Xolani Khumalo (ward 63).
Harold Mbowana, Deputy Director of the Informal Trading Unit, highlighted the qualifying criteria for every trader to obtain a trading permit and urged them to follow the application process.
Mbowana also addressed one of the major challenges facing the City, the subletting of trading stalls, which has been ruled out as a major infringement of municipal by-laws governing informal trading policy.
He warned against the possession of illegal informal trading permits, decrying the fact that most informal traders trade in unsuitable areas.
“We have a well-structured task team that is collaborating with traders through the Independent Informal Traders Committee to overcome such challenges,” he added.
The City developed the informal trading policy to streamline the sector, ensuring it meets the needs of its stakeholders while contributing to socioeconomic growth in the municipality.
Councillor Mmbengwa (Ward 23) expressed his satisfaction with the educational awareness session, which he deemed valuable and informative.
He said the session was a well-thought initiative that should be extended to other wards to maintain a mutually workable environment for ward councillors and informal traders in municipal trading zones.
Informal trader and African Trader Organisation representative Ayanda Kela praised the education and awareness session for being eye-opening and insightful.
Kela said he appreciated the knowledge gained on what it takes to be an informal trader and which paperwork to present to authorities to comply with the City’s bylaws.
Other informal traders had mixed reactions and concerns, which were addressed by speakers from the City.
Mbowana said the JMPD has been deployed to manage the successful implementation of the City’s informal trading policy.
Written by Getrude Mamabolo
04/05/2023