Informal traders raise concerns after being barred from Grand Parade ahead of festive lights switch-on

Informal traders have raised concerns about the City of Cape Town's refusal to allow them to trade at the Grand Parade this weekend, during the build-up to the city's Festive Lights Switch-On event.

Approximately 250 traders are being prevented from trading at the Parade this weekend to allow the city to prepare for the event, which is scheduled for Sunday.

Rosheda Muller, president of the National Informal Traders Alliance of South Africa (NITASA), says that traditionally, hawkers were allowed to trade up until the day before the "switch-on."

"They never stopped us from trading. We even agreed that we'll trade until one o'clock and not go ahead after one, so that they can do the preparation. No, we must clear the Parade Friday and Saturday."

Muller argues that this weekend presents a crucial opportunity for traders to make good sales after a difficult year.

"This time of the year, November, the end of the month, it is the biggest weekend that the informal traders are waiting for to do catch-up, to gather money for their Christmas."

The city has indicated it will respond to enquiries about the informal traders' concerns in due course.