THE Paarl informal traders’ association has welcomed the new trading kiosks which have been erected by the Municipality in New Street at the Paarl taxi ranks.
A total of 21 traders selected from a long list of applicants received their keys to the stalls at the bottom end of New Street on Thursday, following a ribbon cutting ceremony by mayor Charmain Manuel.
The newly elected chairperson of the informal traders, Achmat Cupido, praised the involvement of the municipal officials of the local economic development department, who had facilitated the process.
More stalls are planned for this section of New Street later in the year.
“With these stalls we feel we have restored the dignity of informal traders. Many people earn their living in this way, and they have a right to do this in pleasant circumstances, such as the Municipality has created for us.”
The new executive of the informal traders was recently elected during a meeting in the Paarl town hall, facilitated by the municipality. The orderly meeting ensured a democratic election by stall owners, with the new committee including a representative of foreign traders as well.
“We hope to ensure that traders trade in an orderly manner, keeping the streets clean. We will co-operate with the authorities and law enforcement in this regard,” said Cupido.
More formalised trading areas are planned at Shoprite in Paarl East and at Pick n Pay in Wellington.
Thursday’s ceremony was marred by relatives and supporters of the ousted chairman of the organisation.
They shouted abuse during the opening ceremony, causing the mayor to leave before the hand-over of the keys could take place.
Said Cupido: “We as the new office bearers bow our heads in shame and hope that this unacceptable behaviour won’t sour relations between us and Council.”
) A joint task team is to be established by Drakenstein Municipality, the police and the departments of Home Affairs and Labour, to regulate the activities of traders at informal shops in Mbekweni.
This step has been taken for fear there might be a repeat of the wave of xenophobic attacks experienced in 2008, as the area is heavily overtraded. Traders must obtain permission and submit plans before opening stores.
