By Everson Luhanga
- On Thursday, hawkers outside Pan Africa Mall in Johannesburg blocked a road with stones, demanding the right to trade again.
- Johannesburg Metro Police arrested the hawkers’ leader at Pan Africa Mall, where he had been leading talks with the city.
Vegetable and fruit sellers outside Pan Africa Mall in Johannesburg say they are going hungry after months without income.
The City of Johannesburg cleared vendors from outside the busy mall in November. Officials linked the move to preparations for the G20 summit, which was held in Johannesburg.
Even after the summit ended in December, metro police vans remain parked at the mall each day. Traders say about a dozen vans arrive early in the morning and stay until night.
Officers enforce laws that ban pavement trading. Peace Ambassadors, also known as Amapanyaza, patrol on foot from 5am to 9pm.
Hawkers used to sell vegetables, fruit, household goods, mpesu and traditional medicine outside the mall. For many families, it was their only income.
On Thursday, some traders blocked a road near the mall with stones. They demanded the right to trade again after months without work.
Johannesburg Metro Police arrested their leader at the scene. Traders say he had been leading talks with the city to allow them back onto the pavements.
Trader Bongani Makhovha said some people were chased from their rooms after failing to pay rent.
“Hunger is becoming normal,” he said.
Traders say they hoped the government would allow them back after the summit ended. That has not happened.
They are calling on the city to meet with them and find a solution so they can work and feed their families again.
Pictured above: Police vehicles stationed outside Pan Africa Mall in Alexandra.
Image source: Supplied
