The Voice of Phoenix (VOP) has called on the eThekwini Municipality to provide greater protection for local vendors amidst an influx of illegal foreign traders. The organisation has also raised concerns about unfair rezoning that forces small-scale vendors to pay rates comparable to large corporations, pushing them deeper into poverty.
Vassie Govender, a VOP EXCO member, explained that some vendors are being rezoned as business entities, resulting in escalated rates. “We consider this a serious matter because due to the escalated rates, the indigenous people will barely have profit to live off. Some of these people sell specialised items such as fruit and vegetables, and work long hours just to make ends meet,” said Govender.
“The big corporations also sell the same items as some of the vendors, but at a higher price. But due to their status, they attract more buyers. Law enforcement also treats vendors very harshly.”
Govender also highlighted the growing number of foreign-owned tuck shops in the Phoenix area, which he said is stifling local economic growth. He expressed concern that these foreign businesses are expanding while local traders remain in poverty.
In response, eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana outlined the official application process for vendors. She stated that zoning is determined by the Land Use Management and Town Planning Directorates.
“Address your application to any office within the area you want to trade. For the coastal area, offices are located in Victoria Park; Isipingo for Southern areas; Verulam for Northern areas; KwaMashu for INK (Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu) and Phoenix; and Pinetown for Inner and Outer West areas,” said Sisilana.
Applicants must provide a hand-drawn sketch of the proposed trading area, a site map available from Development and Planning offices, details of goods to be sold, contact information, a letter from the adjacent property owner, and a copy of their ID.
Sisilana concluded by announcing that an Informal Economy Summit will be held from 7 to 8 October to deliberate on issues affecting the sector, including bylaws, funding, and infrastructure development.
The VOP hopes the summit will address the critical challenges facing local vendors.
