Cape Town - Poor families who depend on house shops as a source of income may soon face the risk of losing business, as the George Municipality is embarking on a “rectification” of “illegal” house shops campaign.
The municipality said that a residential business survey conducted by its Town Planning Department in March 2022 showed that of the 308 house shops recorded in the George Municipal area, including Blanco, Pacaltsdorp, Thembalethu, Wilderness, Haarlem, and Uniondale, only five were legal in terms of its town planning law.
“This has therefore necessitated a vigorous drive on rectification of illegal house shops in the greater George area.
“All owners and/or operators of these house shops will have three months to rectify their operation to avoid the payment of any penalties or fines,” the municipality said.
George Municipality senior manager in the town planning department, Clinton Petersen, confirmed that they had already started issuing notices.
“The notice that we have issued is a ‘First Notice’, which basically informs and warns the property owner and the house shop operator that they have utilised the land outside the zoning scheme prescripts and without the approval of the municipality.
“The notice furthermore advises that they must rectify the contraventions (the illegal activity and/or building works) within 30 days of the date of notice being served.
“The notice will also request the owner/operator to contact and visit the Town Planning department to discuss options in rectifying the contravention,” Petersen said.
They will then have to apply for the necessary land use applications.
“They will also be advised that the submission of such an application does not give them the authority to continue operating the illegal shop. Further, that submission of the application does not guarantee that their application will be successful,” the municipality said.
Plaaslike Besorge Inwoners (PBI – local concerned citizens) said they were not in support of the municipality’s plans.
PBI secretary general, Sune Soonies, said: “The PBI supports the second economy that includes house shops. These shops are an integral part of many poor communities where people live from hand to mouth.”
She said the municipality needed to look at how these policies and by-laws impacted the poorest of the poor.
“Everyone cannot be painted with the same black brush while expecting a different outcome. The needs of the poor and vulnerable need to be taken into consideration when these policies and by-laws are adopted.
“The ruling coalition is known for making use of draconian style policies and by-laws thereby keeping the poor and marginalised out of the mainstream economy.
“Higher tariffs will be applicable where these shops are situated that will place an extra burden on the poor.”
Cape Times