The DA councillor in the Free State metro, Kabelo Moreeng, has voiced concerns about the increasing number of informal traders occupying pavements in Thaba Nchu, turning pedestrian movement into a daily struggle.

According to Moreeng, a drive along Govan Mbeki Street, popularly known as Jan van Riebeeck Street, reveals a proliferation of makeshift tables where informal traders sell everything from food and clothing to fruits. This has forced many pedestrians to walk on the roads, raising significant safety concerns for both motorists and pedestrians.

“Many informal traders operate their businesses directly in front of formal shops, causing immense frustration for business owners who have lodged complaints with the municipality, but received little to no help. Section 10(10.1)(e) of the municipal by-laws, updated in 2021, states that no person must carry on the business of informal trading at a place where it could obstruct vehicle traffic, and (f) at a place where it could substantially obstruct a pedestrian in his or her use of the sidewalk,” Moreeng stated.

‘The situation could have been avoided’

He further elaborated that the situation could have been avoided if the municipality had granted permits to those who applied on time. Moreeng argued that the metro could then identify and allocate proper spaces for trading that can be regulated and monitored as needed.

Moreeng has called on the metro to create safe spaces for informal businesses to thrive and operate safely. He highlighted the current high rate of vacancies within the law enforcement department, which hampers the effective regulation and implementation of by-laws.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg