Scores of street vendors in Durban marched to the IPID offices on Wednesday, demanding an end to police harassment and calling for better support from city authorities.
Image: Sipho Jack
Many vendors took to the streets of Durban on Wednesday, voicing their frustrations over what they describe as ongoing harassment by the city’s Metro Police officers.
The march culminated at the offices of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), where protesters delivered a memorandum outlining their grievances. They believed handing their memorandum to IPID was a significant step in their effort to have their rights upheld, as the matter directly affects their daily livelihoods.
Among the demonstrators was 64-year-old Nohlanhla Gumede, who spoke about the collective struggles of those who earn their livelihoods from street markets.
Gumede told the Daily News that “no matter where we are, whether we are at school, at the markets, or even just sitting with other vendors,” they face harassment.
“We are here as a community to complain about the harassment we are receiving from the police.”
The vendors claimed that authorities have been following them and preventing them from working.
“We are tired of this situation because we don’t know what they want us to do,” Gumede said, describing the desperation of vendors.
“They can’t keep following us and choosing what we sell because they know what life is like on the streets.”
A lack of support from the city’s authorities was another complaint raised by the vendors.
“We are looking for permits and business support,” Gumede said, expressing their need to secure legitimate operating licences.
She recalled a previous promise by a city manager to address their challenges but complained that “he never showed up.”
She believes there has been a long-running history of miscommunication between vendors and city managers, which has aggravated their plight.
Gumede said she was present when vendors sent two nominated representatives to engage with authorities about their concerns.
“They both spoke to the manager, and I joined them as the leader at that time.”
She said that in spite of that engagement, their situation did not improve.
Many of the current vendors have been trading on Durban’s streets since 2013, which reflects their resilience.
Gumede called on authorities to recognise their right to work and the importance of their contributions to the local economy.
DAILY NEWS