MTHATHA, Eastern Cape – A bylaw enforcement operation targeting unpermitted trading structures in Mthatha’s business district sparked protests and traffic gridlock Tuesday evening, as informal vendors demonstrated against the removal of their containers by municipal authorities.
The King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, working alongside law enforcement and security personnel from the OR Tambo District Municipality, carried out demolitions of containers positioned in the CBD between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Officials stated the structures violated local trading bylaws and obstructed public thoroughfares.
The enforcement drive, which began earlier in the afternoon, prompted an immediate backlash. Protesters—among them foreign nationals—blocked a key roadway toward Southernwood and the CBD, igniting tires that sent smoke across the area. Fire and emergency crews responded to extinguish the blazes while commuters encountered heavy delays during peak travel time.
Affected traders voiced frustration that their livelihoods were dismantled without sufficient relocation support. Several vendors reported being advised they could only resume operations by placing containers on their private residential property—a measure many characterized as unworkable for street-based commerce.
A spokesperson for the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality explained that the action formed part of routine enforcement of the municipality’s gazetted informal street trading regulations.
“Our bylaws are clear: anyone wishing to trade using containers, including informal vendors, must first obtain municipal consent,” the spokesperson stated. “The individuals operating in these CBD areas did not have the required permissions.”
The spokesperson confirmed that foreign nationals were among those affected but noted that authorities also intercepted individuals allegedly selling prohibited goods. “We cannot tolerate the sale of illegal products such as drugs. This operation aligns with broader crime-prevention efforts conducted alongside the South African Police Services.”
Regarding long-term solutions for displaced vendors, the spokesperson outlined a dual pathway: traders must first engage with the municipality to secure formal licensing, and second, the local authority is developing plans for a designated “container city” to centralize informal trading activities. The proposal, the spokesperson added, has been submitted to council for review.
“We uphold the rule of law within our jurisdiction,” the spokesperson emphasized. “Allowing illegal structures to remain, especially on major transit routes, undermines municipal governance and public order.”
As evening fell, uncertainty lingered over next steps. Some traders indicated they may explore legal remedies or organize further demonstrations if their grievances remain unaddressed. Municipal officials reiterated their commitment to balanced enforcement while pursuing sustainable frameworks for informal economic activity.
Motorists are encouraged to seek alternative routes around Mthatha’s central business district until normal traffic flow resumes.