The South African Informal Traders Alliance (SAITA) yesterday marched to Premier Helen Zille’s office in Wale Street to demand protection from drug dealers and criminals who rob them.
Organiser Rashieda Mooler says the march was “historical”, as members across the country are marching.
“Today is a historical day as we take on provincial governments... we need to secure the safety of traders. The province should be held liable. We are one voice in one sector but we are not heard. We expect a response within a month or we will march again,” she says.
Ses’Khona Movement leader Andile Lili said he supported the traders and slammed police and Metro cops for “colluding” with drug dealers.
“The City and Provincial Government are closer to the drug dealers. Where are the Metro cops to deal with drugs in Cape Town Station?” Lili Said.
The memorandum was received by Zille’s spokesman Michael Mpofu, who told the Daily Voice: “Informal Trading is managed by the City of Cape Town and not the provincial government.
“Our office will take the necessary care to ensure that we send the document to the relevant officials at the City of Cape Town where it should have been directed in the first place.
“Our government will, however, assist where we are able to. For example, I am informed that Minister Dan Plato has previously engaged with the traders in matters relating to safety concerns.”