Tshwane defends Marabastad Market shutdown
The markets of Marabastad are known for being home to a lot of bargain-hunting shoppers, however, the mayor says businesses have been operating without permits or by-law adherence for far too long.
'It is important to remind traders that by-laws exist to protect residents and business operations.
'The mayoral committee has taken a decision to accelerate its priority objective of maintaining a clean and safe city,' she said.
Moya has said the retail market is a metro property that has been hijacked, and during the operation, it was reclaimed.
The mayor said the building was leased to a person who then decided to sublease it to other people, breaking the terms of the contract with the city.
SAPS and Home Affairs officials were also there checking the legal documentation of the traders.
The metro plans to use this property to put back value into the market and make it available to credible investors who want to use it.
'Traders at the Marabastad Retail Market failed to produce trading permits as per the City of Tshwane's Street Trading By-Law and Business Act 71 of 1991.
'Trading without permits is illegal in the city, and that is why the Economic Development and Spatial Planning Department recommended that the Marabastad Retail Market should be closed,' Moya said.
The mayor says that all traders were informed that they should contact municipal officials to be guided on the process to obtain trading permits.
'Permission to trade is not granted through a lease agreement between a landowner and a trader/business owner. Trading permits and compliance with fire and health safety are required for approved trading.
'The ability to trade or operate a business within the City of Tshwane requires applicants to attend a compulsory workshop on street trading in Tshwane,' she said.
The operation resulted in the following:
– 43 businesses were inspected.
– 36 Section 56 notices were issued for contravention of the Business Act
– 6 Section 56 notices were issued for contravention of the Street Trading By-Law
– 16 building regulations contravention notices issued.
– 1 Section 56 notice issued for contravention of fire safety by-law.
– 2 contravention notices issued for fire safety.
– 2 illegal electricity connections were disconnected.
– 7 businesses were closed immediately on 11th and Boom Street.
– 20 stalls were closed immediately.
Any person seeking to trade in Tshwane must approach the Economic Development and Spatial Planning Department on the 3rd Floor, Middestad Building, corner Thabo Sehume and Pretorius Street, Pretoria Central, to apply for trading permits.
'The operation conducted in Marabastad forms part of our long-term strategy and will be carried out continuously to ensure that this business district is composed of legitimate businesses,' Moya said.
ALSO READ: Industrial Park responds to claims as locals demand access to job opportunities
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