Fast food business given marching orders
A FAST food informal trader is refusing to move his business from the KimPark centre parking lot, despite a notice instructing that the container housing his business be removed.
According to the notice, the container is being used as a kitchen in the parking lot of the Kimberley Public Library.
The owner was advised on October 25 that if he did not vacate the area within seven days of receipt of the notice, the container would be removed by Sol Plaatje Municipality at the expense of the owner.
The owner of Fast Food Enterprise, Lirontsho Molise, said that he was making a roaring trade at the parking lot, where he provided work for 15 employees and a security guard.
“I was issued with an informal trader’s permit and have been in the fast food business for the past 15 years. I originally come from Bloemfontein and also run a fast food business near the city hall. I serve R25 meals consisting of pap, pork, wors and salad and provide a good quality service. According to the notice, I must vacate by Saturday, November 12,” said Molise.
He added that he was a co-partner and entrepreneur that started the fast food bus business near the Cecil John Rhodes statue in the CBD.
“I parted ways with my partner and although I am in possession of a permit to operate there, I decided to go on my own. I followed all the procedures and obtained the necessary permission to operate at the KimPark centre parking lot. The business is registered in the name of my wife.”
Molise stated that ANC councillors had approached him, along with municipal police, on the day that he opened his business on September 22.
“My wife was pregnant and we almost lost our first baby due to the stress of having to close the business after investing in all the equipment. I was told to remove my container as I was only permitted to erect a gazebo, but that will not be suitable for my business. Why am I being targeted when there are other containers operating in the parking lot?”
He said that he made use of gas to cook his food. “We wanted to connect to one of the electric poles but the current was not strong enough so I invested in gas heating.”
Molise added that he had initially agreed to relocate to the information centre at the bus stop, but later refused as he was not certain whether he would be granted permission.
“There are no guarantees and if I sign that letter, it will mean that I can no longer operate where I am currently based.”
Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thoko Riet stated that the permit was issued for a temporary and not a permanent structure.
“While the local economic development unit is willing to assist, all informal traders are expected to comply with the regulations. The container also occupies a considerable space in the parking lot. The trader will be expected to vacate by Friday, November 11,” said Riet.
She added that the trader was offered alternative space at the information centre, although the offer was rejected.