KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, continued his efforts to combat crime and foster economic development by leading a series of shop inspections and trader engagements in the Nyezane area, situated within the Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality in the uThukela District.

These activities formed part of the ongoing Crime Combating Imbizo, an initiative aimed at addressing crime holistically while promoting lawful business practices and supporting informal traders.

Promoting Compliance Among Shop Owners

During the inspections, Premier Ntuli, accompanied by officials and law enforcement agencies, scrutinised several retail outlets to ensure compliance with business laws. The inspections focused on critical areas such as valid licensing, hygiene standards, and adherence to legal employment practices.

“Njengoba siqhubeka nomzamo wethu wokulwa nobugebengu, kufanele futhi siqinisekise ukuthi amabhizinisi asebenza ngendlela esemthethweni, futhi akusizi ngalutho ukubheka izindaba zobugebengu ngaphandle kokwenza amabhizinisi athobele imithetho,” said Premier Ntuli.

“As we continue our fight against crime, we must also ensure that businesses operate legally. It is pointless to address crime issues without ensuring compliance in the business sector,” he stated.

The Premier highlighted the importance of maintaining hygiene standards, particularly in establishments selling food and other perishables, noting that public health must not be compromised for profit.

Engaging Informal Traders

In addition to shop inspections, Premier Ntuli interacted with informal traders to better understand their challenges. Many traders expressed concerns over access to infrastructure, security, and support for their businesses.

“Abathengisi abancane bangenye yezinsika zomnotho wethu. Kumele sibanike ukwesekwa abakudingayo ukuze benze umsebenzi wabo ngokuphumelelayo,” Ntuli emphasised.

“Informal traders are one of the pillars of our economy. We must provide them with the support they need to operate successfully,” he said.

The Premier assured traders that the provincial government is committed to creating an environment that encourages entrepreneurship while ensuring fairness and safety for all.

Law Enforcement Support

The inspections were conducted with the support of law enforcement agencies, who reinforced the importance of complying with business regulations and cracking down on illicit activities such as selling expired goods or employing undocumented workers.

Premier Ntuli urged the community to work closely with authorities, noting that collaborative efforts between the public and law enforcement are crucial in addressing challenges such as crime, illegal trading, and exploitation.

“Ukulwa nobugebengu kudinga izandla eziningi. Amaphoyisa, uhulumeni, kanye nomphakathi kumele basebenzisane ukuze kube nokuthula nokuhleleka,” he concluded.

“Fighting crime requires many hands. Police, government, and the community must work together to create peace and order,” he concluded.

Building Safer and Thriving Communities

Through initiatives like the Crime Combating Imbizo, the provincial government is striving to ensure that both formal and informal economic activities are conducted in a lawful and supportive environment.

The Premier’s proactive approach sends a clear message: businesses and individuals must comply with the law to build safer and thriving communities across KwaZulu-Natal.