06 Aug 2015

Green linear shades with hair dressers, people selling cosmetics, clothing, air time, or fast foods are a common sight in Letlhakane shopping malls.

To some people, these shades are a means of survival, places they wake up to every morning to make ends meet and put food on their tables in order to support their families.

In an interview with recently, the senior by-law officer in Boteti Sub-district, Mr Resego Boitumelo pointed out that most people, if not all of them, who sell in the malls have hawkers’ license.

“A hawker does not have a permanent working place, he or she moves from one place to another selling his products, as such a hawker is not allowed to erect any permanent structure,” Mr Boitumelo pointed out.

He went on to explain that operating a food outlet in a shade poses a hygienic threat because customers were not provided with water to wash their hands before and after eating, and that there were no dustbins to dispose waste materials. 

He also noted that in case of storms, people were likely to get injured by the structures.

He also pointed out that the shades do not only pose a health hazard to the community, but were also used for criminal activities, especially at night. 

He cited incidents where people used the structures for sexual activities at night, and that some use them as toilets.

In an interview recently, Spar Supermarket manager, Ms Gloria Ogopotse lamented that her shop was now running at a loss because street vendors sit in front of the shop and sell the same products as her.

“I rent this place and pay tax whereas they don’t. Our kitchens are constantly being inspected, but these people make and sell food in an open space which is not fair,” she said.

Ms Ogopotse noted that she has tried to chase away street vendors from the vicinity of her shop to no avail, as they return the moment she goes back into the shop.

One of the hawkers in the area, Ms Boletetswe Rankwane said they prefer to operate next to big shops such as Spar, Shoppers and Choppies because they attract a lot of people hence more customers for them. 

She said she was aware of complaints raised by the Spar management, but that she has no choice because she has children to feed and cloth. 

To deal with the situation, Mr Boitumelo said his office inspects street vendors on a monthly basis. “Any person who performs any illegal activity may either be warned, or have his or her goods confiscated as punishment, and in some extreme cases their licenses can be withdrawn,” said Mr Boitumelo. Ends