GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — A meeting was held between the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality, hawkers and the management of Shoprite on October 28 at the Graaff-Reinet Town Hall.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the challenge of informal traders causing an obstruction on the sidewalks and other prohibited areas and to find an amicable way forward.
The Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality Manager: Protection Services, Chris Rhoode, stated that although the Camdeboo, Ikwezi and Baviaans bylaws cannot yet be implemented, a consultation process will soon commence during which a set of new bylaws will be developed.
Regional Manager for Shoprite explained that not only is the group a business, they also offer affordable products to the community as well as bring multi-national businesses to the town.
“We own the building in Caledon Street which houses Clicks, Pep Stores, and Truworths, for example,” she said.
“We have consulted with our clients and have questioned why the business is not performing as well as it should. We take cognisance of the fact that the vendors in front of our building directly impacts business. It has increased to such a level that our customers do not feel safe to support us anymore.”
She also stated that the Shoprite building is a national heritage.
“We have spent a considerable amount in terms of upgrading the building and aligning its upkeep with what the national heritage organization requires of us. There is, however, a disregard of the property.”
She said, however, that the company is willing to assist the municipality in creating a space where informal trading can take place.
“We understand that some of the traders are trying to earn a living, but for that purpose, we are willing to assist the municipality in creating a space where informal traders are comfortable, safe and free to earn a living. But we condone the continuation of the state of affairs.
The Chairperson of the meeting, Cllr Xolile Galada, gave an opportunity to the informal traders to also give their input.
Although only six informal traders attended the meeting, all of them were in agreement that the safety of customers is threatened by the unwanted elements that hang around the informal traders in front of the Shoprite building.
They have agreed to talk to other informal traders in front of the Shoprite building to not loiter in the door of the business premises.
Negotiations are still underway with all interested parties.
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