Download PDFSome street vendors and formal business outlets in Johannesburg have struck a relationship that could help end illegal dumping. Things prove to go well when informal and formal businesses know how to work together.
One of the problems of Johannesburg is brazen dumping, with heaps of dump lining almost every corner in the busiest parts of the CBD.
Kwame Zoi who runs a small trade in town, spoke to Karibu about pollution issues affecting his livelihood. The 47-year-old man working Joburg CBD producing leader shoes says he is affected by the dumping near his workplace and that it causes pollution which affects his health.
Mr Zoi who runs Zero Shoe Doctor, said the uncontrollable dumping started two years ago when the municipality workers went on strike in March 2023. The reason for the strike was over salary increases, the protesters went about throwing garbage content on the streets. Some of these scattered rubbish materials were very close to his outlet and since then a dumping site has developed and it is not going away.
Zoi has seen a drop in customers as many are not coming anymore, unlike before the dump. He blames the rubbish site for the reduced customers. He says he has even approached the municipality to get assistance but was only promised that there would be people sent to clean the dump the next day.
He is also struggling with flies that are everywhere when it’s very hot. The hot weather also means he’s unable to eat due to the lingering bad smell. He pinpointed male passersby saying they use the spot to pee. He believes “that for the dumping to stop the government must implement dumping fines” against everyone that dumps where they are not supposed to. Zoi also feels that “the residents of Johannesburg must also take responsibility for keeping the town clean,” including the passersby in his comment. He says that everyone is responsible.
Because Zoi is struggling to find customers which means reduced income, he says he has had to ask the people who forage for recycling materials next his shop to clean the place. Additionally, he urged them to buy chemicals to remove the bad smell. He said he has been using his money but he is aware that he doesn’t have to do all that as he must pay rent for the shop and at his residence when the month ends.
The pollution has affected him badly in terms of health. Zoi feels he is at risk because he is battling to breathe because of the smell. At night when he coughs his chest is burning with pain.
Pikitup should be given only a week to clean the place, he says, if they don’t come, he will petition against them, together with all the close businesses. Zoi says they will go to the Department of Health and also the Pikitup head offices to lay a complain. If there’s no help, they will take to the streets and mobilise the Joburg residents who are also affected by the dump sites.
However, a little further up from Zoi’s corner, things are different between the three street food sellers and the nearby Fair Price. Nompilo Mhlungu, 35, who has a kitchen just in front of the Fair Price store on Pritchard Street, said that, Business is very good where she is. She is cooking next to two other kitchens. “The profit is also good, the only problem I have is safety because in the morning it’s a bit scary.”
Zuko from the formal side of commerce stated that their relationship with the kitchens is a very good one. He said Nompilo’s customers are very productive to the furniture store because while they are still waiting for their food or when eating they come in and see their furniture. Some, as soon as they are done eating come straight to their shop and usually buy whatever that they found attractive while they were sitting outside.
“Nompilo is also understanding,” said the furniture salesperson, because whenever he does not have money for lunch on a particular day, Mhlungu gives him the meal on credit, waiting until he is able to settle it on payday.
Karibu also spoke to one of the customers, Portia Sipoko, who is an old lady. She was happy with the way the businesses work with one another, saying the food is delicious while the place is hygienic. Sipoko thought that the owners are very friendly they have good customer service.
This article was submitted on 15 March 2025. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
