For years, vendors have displayed their goods at the intersection of Scott and Allen Streets, their wares arranged within the hawkers’ shelters, integrated between the Village Walk and the Victorian Mall. Yet, the burgeoning number of these traders has drawn the attention of the Newcastle Municipality, which has implemented an approach to regulate operations not only in this vibrant locale but across the city.
On Tuesday, 22 April 2025, the Municipality initiated an operation at the Scott Street hawkers’ shelter, with the dual aim of restoring civic order and enforcing legal standards, particularly addressing the increasing involvement of undocumented immigrants in street trading.
A salesperson at a business from the Victorian Mall stated that, while the vendors at the Hawkers’ Shelter and those along the Mall’s corridor do not directly impede community access, their presence complicates matters for local retailers.
“No one really wants to come here anymore, as there are so many vendors operating here, that it makes it difficult for people to walk past our stores. While I understand that they are just trying to make a living, the number of vendors have made the area look dirty and because of the large number of people on the small section of the road, some people just don’t feel safe, because they do not know if there are any criminals hiding between the crowds of vendors and their shoppers,” shared the salesperson who opted to remain anonymous.
In this concerted effort, led by local law enforcement and municipal authorities, the removal of unlicensed and unauthorised vendors from Newcastle’s public spaces has now officially commenced.
Moreover, the Newcastle Municipality’s Communications Unit elucidated that Tuesday’s operation is a component of a comprehensive strategy to fortify law enforcement, champion lawful commercial practices, and ensure that all traders in Newcastle are duly authorised.
The Municipality further underscored that this initiative is impartial, designed to enforce compliance with South Africa’s legal requirements for documentation and business permits across all traders, regardless of their background.
Reinforcing this stance, Mr G Dlamini, SED for Newcastle Municipality’s Community Services, declared, “We want a city where businesses operate fairly and residents feel safe. Everyone must follow the same rules.”
Authorities further implored undocumented individuals to legalise their status through official channels or face legal consequences. “Newcastle municipality remains committed to fostering an inclusive economy—built on legality, accountability, and respect for all who call the city home,” affirmed the Communications Unit.
It should be noted that the Newcastle operation is emblematic of wider issues affecting South Africa’s informal traders, extending beyond local enforcement to encompass economic, regulatory, and social challenges.
Municipalities like Newcastle say their operations aim to bring fairness and safety. As Mr G Dlamini stated on 22 April 2025, “We want a city where businesses operate fairly and residents feel safe. Everyone must follow the same rules.” But as researchers from PLAAS and other bodies argue, meaningful change requires more than enforcement—it demands simplified permit systems, targeted economic support, and national policies that recognise the informal sector as a cornerstone of the country’s economy, not a burden on it.
Reflecting on this, what are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
