03 Mar 2016

The South East District Council was forced to shelve debate on informal sector trading to a later date because councillors could not agree on most of the issues raised. 

 Following intense debate on presentation on the guidelines for the informal sector regulation, the council decided to debate the issue during the next sitting to allow time for consultations.

Magopane ward councillor, Mr Kgabo Mabotseng, said there was need for the proposal to be shelved to allow for further consultations.

“It is important to educate them first about the decision we want to take and understand their views concerning the proposals so that we prevent misunderstanding with them,” said councillor Mabotseng. He said taking decision without adequate consultations could lead to people losing trust in the council.

On the contrary, Councillor Kedibonye Batlang explained that leaders should take risks in spite of the consequence it might bring as long as the law was being enforced. 

She argued that it should not be about the satisfactory of personage but of the country at large, adding that the law should not be neglected to meet needs of particular people.

 “As council we should not worry about losing elections but ensuring that the law is enforced and being acted upon by the public,” said Ms Batlang.

 Earlier when presenting the regulations, principal physical planner Mr Emmanuel Ogotseng said council seeks to provide a tool that it can use to provide an enabling environment for informal trading to ensure that informal traders operate optimally.

He explained that the council wishes to introduce a system that enables efficient regulations and monitoring of the informal sector.

Mr Ogotseng said the council will examine a number of factors that could enable the informal sector to trade successfully and added that they need to make income to sustain their livelihood.

Furthermore he said the council wished to reach a condition where the sector will operate in an environment that is clean and support healthy living.

He added that the council also seeks to ensure that informal sector trading within the council jurisdiction make public spaces safe, lively and attractive without inhibiting the safety and efficiency of pedestrians. Ends