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Cleanup hits street business

ROADSIDE MECHANICS: Motor mechanics like these will now be slapped with a fine of no less than R300 if found conducting their business on the streets of Polokwane. © Unknown.
ROADSIDE MECHANICS: Motor mechanics like these will now be slapped with a fine of no less than R300 if found conducting their business on the streets of Polokwane. © Unknown.

Moyahabo Mabeba

Moyahabo Mabeba

The Polokwane municipality in Limpopo has enforced stricter measures to regulate business on the streets in the capital city.

With effect from this week, only permit holders will be allowed to operate street businesses.

The move will hit hawkers, motor mechanics and car-wash business owners who ply their trade within the CBD the hardest.

Those found transgressing the new regulations will be liable to a fine of not less than R300.

Municipal spokesman Phuti Lekganyane said the initiative is part of the muni- cipality's inaugural "Operation Sunrise", a bid to keep the city clean and to curb undesired business activities.

Lekganyane said the council had taken a resolution to fine motorists who use the services of car washers that are on the streets.

He said motorists will be fined R300 each and failure to pay the fine will result in their cars being impounded.

Street workers have lambasted Operation Sunrise as "prejudice", saying it will "spoil" their means of living.

Oupa Gwangwa, a motor mechanic, has vowed to defy the municipal laws and not to pay whatever fine is meted out to him.

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