Zikalala hopeful ban on scrap metal exports will provide relief
KZN
Cooperative Governance MEC Sihle Zikalala says the six month ban on the export
of scrap metal trade will shut down the market for stolen electricity cables
and other components.
Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel announced the decision this week after the cabinet approved a set of policies to limit and regulate waste trading and stop metal theft.
The department’s Nonala Ndlovu says Zikalala has lauded the government for taking decisive action.
"We sincerely hope that this will provide some welcome relief, as some of the illegal scrap metal traders have been going on a rampage, stripping metal from government infrastructure. We also hope to have stringent enforcement in place to ensure the effective direction."
Meanwhile, SATAWU's Amanda Tshemese says they believe the ban will buy the government more time to fix much-needed infrastructure.
READ: Govt moves to register all copper sellers
"It does not only affect our members and workers at Prasa but ordinary South Africans as these criminals steal cables such as electricity and water cables. We have previously called on the government to ban the sale of scrap metals. We, therefore, welcome the decision and we believe that it will stop the criminals from stealing and vandalising infrastructure."
The government has also moved to have all copper traders selling scrap metal and non-metal waste products registered under the Second Hand Goods Act.
