Hawkers on Winnie Mandela Drive cry abuse
The hawkers, who have been selling goods in the area for years, say they are now reaching a breaking point, after their recent removal by Fourways Mall management, Ward 94 councillor David Foley, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), and private security officers from the Fourways Improvement District.
The traders were evicted from their trading spots on Winnie Mandela Drive and Fourways Boulevard, both of which are classified as provincial roads where hawking is prohibited.
But the hawkers argue that this enforcement is unfair and lacks compassion. According to them, this is not the first time they've been removed. Many say they were previously displaced from other intersections before settling there.
'Before we came here, we were chased from other places too. Now, again, we are being told to move. We're tired of being moved like cattle,' said Mothali. 'Some of us were selling here before the mall was even built.'
The hawkers claim they have documentation reflecting their attempts to formalise their trading. One such paper, seen by Fourways Review, lists exactly Winnie Mandela Drive as the road for Mothali to operate on legally.
'I got these papers from the health department, but [JMPD] say they are not correct papers,' she added. 'Another problem is that the authorities don't include us in their meetings. They come here already decided and that is not right. We also have rights, as hawkers, in the constitution. We also need a share of the pie.
#Illegaltrading ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North @caxtonjoburgnorth Blessing Mlambo, as well a group of other informal traders who moved to the other side of Fourways Boulevard and Winnie Mandela Drive after being removed from their spots for a beatification project by Fourways Mall, says they are not willing to move just like that this time around. #Fourwaysmall
Adding to their fear is the looming threat of yet another forced removal. According to Mothali, JMPD officers and security personnel warned them earlier this week that they will be cleared out again on July 7.
'It's going to be bad for us,' said Seanego, who supports her grandchildren through her trading. 'They take our stock when they come. That stock is my bread. My grandchildren depend on it because the grant money isn't enough.'
Seanego says what hurts the most is that she buys her goods from Fourways Mall to sell to passing motorists and pedestrians. 'We support the mall. We buy from them. We contribute to their business. So, why can't they work with us, not against us?'
The hawkers say they feel excluded from key conversations that affect their livelihoods.
They've now formed a WhatsApp group to discuss their next steps and share information.
'All we need is a designated area where we can sell. We do not mind paying rent and taking care of the place, but [officials] don't know that, because we are not involved in the meetings where decisions are made about us. We also have rights. We just want to be heard and to work with the system, not be crushed by it,' said Mlambo.
Foley confirmed that the recent action was lawful, saying that hawking is not permitted on provincial roads. He urged traders to engage the city through the proper channels for legal trading space.
This is a developing story.
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