Vendors say authorities should target wholesalers not them

Street vendors in the City of Tshwane have criticised the overly aggressive approach of some political parties in addressing food poisoning incidents.

The vendors and members of the ANC Women’s League clashed in the capital as marchers demanded to see the vendors’ permits.

It was an emotional scene as one young street vendor was confronted by the group, after she was found without her permit.

In tears, she explained that her small stall supports her young family and allows her to put her child through private school.

“I’m a South African, I’m not a visitor here. This business feeds me, my daughter, and my father. I can’t sell the wrong things,” she desperately explained.

Elizabeth Mataboge (34), who witnessed the ordeal questioned why politicians were targeting innocent vendors.

“They are attacking the wrong people. Why don’t they fight the wholesalers that are everywhere?” she said.

Other elderly women vendors have called on the government to educate them on proper health and safety regulations instead of putting an end to their food sales.

Amid increased concerns over food poisoning deaths in the province, YNews spoke with Ma Medi Mashele, who sells cooked meat and other goods at her stall in the Tshwane CBD.

She explained having no problems with authorities because all her health and safety permits are in order and has urged her fellow vendors to do the same.

At the same time, the ANC Women’s League has described the recent spate of food poisoning incidents as a war on black communities.

They insist the inspections are not about shutting down informal businesses, which are the lifeblood of the township economy, but about preventing the further spread of food poisoning incidents.

ANCWL Secretary General, Nokhuthula Nqaba, says it’s a sad reality that food poisoning deaths are disproportionately affecting black communities.

Due to economic vulnerabilities, she says women vendors are forced to rely on unregulated suppliers, unknowingly putting their communities at risk.

“We understand the plight of these vendors. The majority of them are black women… the culprits here, the ones that are killing our kids, are the suppliers,” she emphasised.