The Newfields Village Anti-Eviction Community Representative Forum has criticised the City of Cape Town over warnings issued to Hanover Park residents allegedly operating businesses from their homes without the required zoning approval.
The forum says residents are being threatened with penalties of up to 20 years in prison or fines of R800 000 for selling goods such as sweets and baked items from their properties.
Community representative Gary Hartzenberg says many families rely on informal trading to survive amid ongoing economic hardship.
“For millions of Cape Town residents, entrepreneurship or small-time trading is the only possible way they can survive and put food on the table,” Hartzenberg said.
He added that many elderly residents and grant recipients depend on rental income from small home-run shops and argued that these businesses serve an important role within working-class communities.
Hartzenberg also criticised what he described as selective enforcement by the City.
“It boggles the mind that the City sends inspectors to Hanover Park to threaten residents, while communities continue to struggle with gangsterism, lack of recreational spaces and poor living conditions,” Hartzenberg said.
In response, the City of Cape Town says the action followed complaints from residents about businesses operating in residential areas.
Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews, said property owners found to be contravening zoning regulations were issued with notices.
“The same laws and by-laws apply equally to all residents, regardless of their circumstances or neighbourhood,” Andrews said.
He added that residents who wish to legally operate house shops can apply to the City for land use approval in terms of the Municipal Planning By-law.
“Should the City approve the application, the applicant must comply with the relevant conditions attached to that approval,” Andrews said.
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