DA calls on Tshwane administrators to expand support to informal traders

29 April 2020

The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the current team of Tshwane administrators to expand the level of their support to informal traders during the lockdown.

With the restrictions that have been in place, many informal traders lost all of their stock, which spoiled because they were unable to sell it. They do not have access to refrigeration facilities or adequate storage sites and thus are unable to preserve their stock into the future.

The City of Tshwane only allowed a fixed period during which traders could apply for permits which has prevented many traders from being able to reopen.

Considering the lockdown will be phased out, it is critically important for the city to allow traders to apply for permits on a continuous basis.

The city administration should further investigate the possibility of providing vouchers to traders, to allow them to replenish their stock or even extending a credit facility to them.

The Fresh Produce Market is a key institution that can provide support in this as many traders purchase their stock from the market to sell in their areas.

It is important that in times such as these that traders be allowed a fixed amount in credit through the Fresh Produce Market which is supported by the City so that they can carry on trading.

We also call on the administrators to publicise how many traders have registered for permits, to get an accurate picture of how many traders are in fact opening their businesses versus how many traders the city has recorded on its database. This will give an indication of the total number of traders that have been able to return to work.

Considering that the city is consolidating this information, it is in a unique position to source additional funding and support for the informal traders.

The City administration should be supporting the community by helping the informal traders to access the Solidarity Fund for financial relief.

Issued by Randall Williams, DA Tshwane Mayoral Candidate, 29 April 2020