Allexer Namundjembo
The City of Windhoek has denied allegations that the office of the chief executive officer instructed officials to stop issuing new informal trading permits, maintaining that applications continue to be processed in accordance with existing regulations.
The clarification follows concerns raised by Councillor Maitjituavi Kavetu, who on 6 July wrote to chief executive officer Moses Matyayi requesting information on enforcement measures affecting informal traders in Dorado Park.
In his memorandum, Kavetu said he had received numerous complaints from residents and traders alleging that City Police officers had prevented informal traders from operating after the City allegedly refused to issue trading letters to new applicants.
He further said officials in the economic development department had indicated that the decision stemmed from a directive issued by the CEO’s office.
The councillor also questioned why stricter enforcement measures were being implemented while the City’s revised Informal Trading Policy has yet to be finalised and approved by Council.
Invoking Clause 5(2) of the Code of Conduct for Members of Local Authority Councils, Kavetu requested a detailed report from the administration on whether such a directive existed and the legal basis for the alleged suspension of trading letters.
He further questioned whether Council had approved the decision, the number of traders affected, whether consultations or socio-economic impact assessments had been conducted, the status of the policy review, and what interim measures were being taken to protect traders’ livelihoods.
Responding to questions from the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday, the City’s spokesperson Lydia Amutenya said the allegations that the CEO’s Office instructed officials to stop issuing new permits were incorrect.
“The City can confirm that no directive, whether written or verbal, has been issued by the Office of the Chief Executive Officer instructing the Department of Economic Development and Community Services to stop issuing new informal trading permits or trading letters,” Amutenya said.
She said the CEO’s office had instead reaffirmed that the Informal Trading Regulations, with applicable Council resolutions, remain fully operational and must continue to be implemented.
According to Amutenya, applications for trading opportunities are still being considered in accordance with the existing regulations, Council resolutions and the availability of approved trading sites.
Addressing concerns over enforcement while the revised Informal Trading Policy remains under review, Amutenya said the policy review does not suspend the City’s current legal obligations.
She said the Informal Trading Regulations, the Local Authorities Act, and existing Council resolutions remain legally binding until any revised framework is approved and promulgated.
“The City is therefore obligated to continue implementing and enforcing the current regulatory framework to ensure public health and safety, maintain environmental standards, prevent obstruction of public spaces and promote orderly informal trading within approved locations,” she said.
On the impact of enforcement on traders, Amutenya said the municipality remains committed to balancing regulatory compliance with the socio-economic realities faced by informal traders.
She said the City continues to make approved trading opportunities available through existing markets and designated trading sites while identifying additional locations in line with Council policies and the Market Development Masterplan.
Amutenya added that applications continue to be processed, engagement with trader associations and affected communities is ongoing, and traders are being guided on compliance requirements.
She said enforcement efforts are also being coordinated to ensure they are carried out lawfully, fairly and proportionately while recognising the informal economy’s contribution to livelihoods and local economic development.
Kavetu, in his memorandum, argued that while the City has a legitimate responsibility to regulate informal trading, administrative decisions affecting vulnerable residents should be transparent, legally sound and procedurally fair, with appropriate transitional measures where necessary.
He requested the information to enable Council to exercise its oversight role and respond to concerns raised by affected residents.
