Cape Town - A group of mobile street vendors selling handmade furniture in Cape Town city centre could soon find themselves behind bars for contravening the city’s by-laws.
Homeless carpenters Siya Bobo and Ramees Jansen have been providing for themselves and their loved ones by making and selling furniture in the city for more than two years.
Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith said law enforcement officials have been warning the “illegal traders” to stop trading or face being arrested and being hauled to court.
Bobo, 31, and Jansen, 26, said they were constantly harassed by Central City Improvement District (CCID) and City Law Enforcement officials.
“A CCID guy attacked me on Saturday after I refused to give him money. He hit me with his baton and I punched him in the face. I lodged a complaint with the police,” Bobo said.
Police spokesperson André Traut said an assault complaint was under investigation after an incident in Buitengracht Street on Saturday morning.
Bobo and Jansen began making benches and bookshelves after they met artist Michael Elion, who initially had them working on his Secret Love Project.
“Part of the project was selling heart-shaped stickers, four for R15. I give them the stickers and they kept whatever money they made. They came to my workshop and started helping me with my artwork.
“I noticed they could work with wood and came up with this idea for them to make street furniture made from wood,” Elion said.
He supplied the pair with wood to make “mobile carts” Elion said.
The artist also gave them tools.
“I tell them what to make and they make it. I then sell it and they get whatever money I make. The items sell from R100 up to R300.
“They used to be criminals, but now they are doing something useful,” Elion said.
Smith said: “Anybody who is subject to law enforcement will be unhappy about it, and we must all adhere to the same by-laws. Any person erecting structures or doing carpentry on the sidewalk should be held accountable.”
Smith said he had visited Hope Street on Friday morning to inspect the activities.
“I suspect that Mr Elion is profiteering from these activities as he is supplying them with all the resources,” Smith said.
Elion denied this on Sunday and insisted that Bobo and Jansen received all the proceeds made from items they produced.
Said Smith: “Nobody likes doing this to the homeless. It’s unproductive and unpleasant, but in the absence of national government creating jobs these things happen.”
Cape Times