06 Feb 2017

Southern District Council Bye Law official, Mr Tshepho Mogorosi, says there is need to uphold the rule of law for communities to flourish both economically and socially.

It is for this reason that local authorities have been tasked with the formulation and implementation of bye laws to regulate business and social activities to ensure adherence to set standards of quality control and safety.

Mr Mogorosi told BOPA for instance that SDC has through its bye law enforcement office formulated hawkers and street vendors as well as noise and nuisance bye laws.

“The two came about after realisation that establishments such as bars and shops play loud music at offbeat hours resulting in complaints by concerned residents,” Mr Mogorosi said.

He said also that license fees charged are a way for the local authority to raise funds and carry out daily activities.  

Mr Mogorosi said with regard to noise and nuisance bye laws, any person who infringes noise and nuisance bye laws is liable to a fine not exceeding P100 or in default of payment thereof, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 21 days or to both.

When referring to the consequences attached to unlicensed hawkers and street vendors, Mr Mogorosi said such persons will be given a fine not exceeding P500 and P1000 for repeated offence.

He further noted that his office constantly hosts public education campaigns through kgotla meetings, pamphlets, and meetings with the business community.

Mr Mogorosi thus encouraged members of the public to respect bye laws saying they are in place to ensure that set standards of quality control and safety are maintained at all times. ENDS