Snl24 | Mandela Day turns sour for hawkers

EMPD officers plunge hawkers into hunger in the name of Nelson Mandela.

NELSON Mandela Day is globally recognised for promoting good deeds.

However, local hawkers express anger for the day’s declaration.

On Thursday (18/07), while many enjoyed pampering, these hawkers were in tears.

Rather than participating in community cleaning, hawkers report that the EMPD officers targeted them.

Hawkers voiced their dissatisfaction, stating this action contradicts Mandela’s values.

They highlighted their struggle to make ends meet, describing the raid on Mandela Day as distasteful. The operations took place on Heidelberg Road and Dekenah Road in Alberton.

ALSO READ: Cleansing ceremony turns deadly

“This does not honour Mandela but disrespects his ideals,” a frustrated hawker from Cloverdene remarked.

“Here we are as customers, they seize our goods whenever they choose. I don’t understand why they can’t issue permits instead, as these are free,” another Cloverdene hawker said.

EMPD plunge hawkers into hunger in the name of Nelson Mandela.

“We wait months for permits, and hunger doesn’t wait,” a disturbed hawker commented.

Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa explained that the Metro police were enforcing bylaws, prioritising safety, and educating hawkers about legal trading spaces.

Alberton hawkers faced hardship as EMPD confiscated their goods, clashing with the day’s spirit of goodwill.

She noted that permit issuance is handled by local customer service centres at no cost.

The EMPD’s 67-minute Mandela tribute involved confiscating perishables and kitchenware, valued at R3,420, from non-compliant traders.

Alberton hawkers faced hardship as EMPD confiscated their goods, clashing with the day’s spirit of goodwill.

The operation spanned two days, starting on Wednesday 17 July.

On Mandela Day, EMPD Traffic Wardens and recycling workers cleaned a dumping site entrance on Heidelberg Road, honouring Mandela’s legacy.

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