BOSA promises to protect informal traders from criminalisation

Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane has called for caution against criminalizing entrepreneurs who engage in informal trading on the side of the road to make a living. Speaking at the launch of the party's manifesto for upcoming Local Government Elections in Johannesburg, Maimane pledged that if BOSA were to come into power, it would prevent such individuals from being treated as criminals.

The party also aims to simplify municipal processes, including permit applications, to facilitate the legal operation of informal traders. Maimane emphasized that these individuals should be recognized as entrepreneurs and provided with dedicated spaces to function better within municipalities. Additionally, BOSA plans to ensure reliable access to clean water and electricity for households and businesses, preventing them from being disrupted by planned water and power cuts.

BOSA aims to fix infrastructure failures that contribute to service disruptions and prevent businesses or schools from having to operate without these essential services. Maimane criticized the excessive number of municipal agencies in Johannesburg, stating that they create fragmented responsibilities and hinder accountability. He pledged to bring these agencies under one roof, streamline decision-making and procurement processes, and hold them accountable for their actions.