The entire operation, executed by the Steve Tshwete Traffic Department, was focused on SADC and OR Tambo Street, where most of the illegal hawkers are concentrated.<\/p>\n
To reclaim their impounded goods, the hawkers will have to pay a R300 fine, which escalates each time they are caught.<\/p>\n
Serial offenders are later arrested for contravening the bylaws. No arrests were effected on Friday however.<\/p>\n
The raid has been in planning for over a month, and hawkers were forewarned in the Middelburg Observer recently.<\/p>\n
And on Tuesday, the municipality warned once again that the raids will continue for the duration of the festive season.<\/p>\n
The step is necessary to ensure that legal traders, stick to their permit conditions, and illegal traders are rooted out.<\/p>\n
It is important to control trading to ensure appropriate standards of health, and safety of motorists and pedestrians.<\/p>\n
In parts of SADC Street, the entire sidewalk was packed with hawkers, forcing pedestrians into the street.<\/p>\n
The sale of traditional medicines, such as roots and bark, is completely illegal and no permits will be issued for public trade.<\/p>\n
Traditional medicines was by far the most contributing trade towards the municipal pound.<\/p>\n
Another hazardous trade is the preparation of cooked food on sidewalks, which is also taboo.<\/p>\n
Larger, marked stands, or parking for food trolleys or caravans, are allocated only after inspection by the fire department and health authorities.<\/p>\n
The Hawkers Committee, comprising permitted hawkers, and the municipality have taken hands to stop the practice of illegal trade.<\/p>\n
It means continual monitoring of illegal hawking in the CBD.<\/p>\n
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