Tears, frustration and disbelief filled the streets of the Thohoyandou CBD on Monday as hawkers and shopkeepers watched helplessly while municipal officials confiscated goods during a surprise compliance operation targeting illegal trading activities.
The blitz, which began at around 10:00 on 15 June, involved Thulamela Municipality law enforcement officers, members of the SAPS and municipal support staff. The operation targeted traders operating on pavements and business owners displaying merchandise outside their premises.
On its social media pages, the municipality said it was an ongoing operation aimed at ensuring sidewalks remain accessible and safe for pedestrians, while promoting compliance with municipal by-laws governing trading activities.
“Shop owners found to be in contravention of municipal by-laws are encouraged to comply voluntarily to avoid enforcement actions that may include fines or the removal of goods from public walkways,” the municipality said.
For many informal traders, the operation came as a shock.
Maria Mudau, a food vendor from Maniini village who trades along Thohoyandou’s main street, said they had received no prior warning.
“We only realised something was happening when municipal vehicles started loading goods displayed outside nearby shops,” she said. “Some of us managed to move a few things before they reached us, but many lost everything. They struck like lightning.”
Although acknowledging that they were operating outside municipal regulations, Mudau said poverty had left many traders with no alternative.
“We have no other means of survival. They should either provide us with designated trading spaces or allow us to continue feeding our families. This is the only livelihood many of us know,” she said.
Local clothing shop owner Abu Salim also expressed frustration after losing a significant amount of display stock.
“I was assisting customers when I heard a commotion outside,” he said. “When I went out, officials were already loading my merchandise onto a municipal vehicle. We managed to save some items, but many had already been taken. We are now told we must pay heavy fines. These are difficult economic times and we are only trying to attract customers,” he said.
Local business forum representative Elijah Mphephu said traders had been caught unaware.
“While we support efforts to keep our towns clean and orderly, there must be communication and awareness campaigns. Many people depend on these small businesses for their livelihood,” he said.
Responding to the outcry in an SABC radio interview, Thulamela Municipality spokesperson Ndwamato Tshiila said business operators were fully aware of the municipality’s by-laws but continued to ignore them. He urged traders to comply voluntarily to avoid fines and confiscation of goods.