The City of Johannesburg says it has noted with concern a planned march by informal traders operating in the inner city, particularly within the City Improvement District.
The march is scheduled to take place on Thursday.
This follows a letter from trader representatives alleging harassment by officials, calling for the re-marking of trading bays, the issuance of permits to compliant traders, and for the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) to stop removing traders who claim they are operating legally.
The City in a statement released on Wednesday says it has assessed the claims and maintains that consistent enforcement of by-laws in the inner city has been necessary to restore order, cleanliness, safety and long-term economic stability. It adds that recent enforcement efforts have resulted in measurable improvements, despite what it describes as attempts by external parties to create confusion among traders.
Concerns and ongoing interventions
The municipality outlined several issues and interventions currently underway:
The City says it has not received a verified list of traders allegedly affected, making it difficult to determine the extent of non-compliance.
Most traders referenced in the complaint have already been verified and incorporated into the City’s permit system. Others have been contacted multiple times to collect their permits but have not responded.
The Department of Economic Development is finalising the rollout schedule for the smartcard permit system.
By-law enforcement will continue, particularly where traders operate outside designated areas.
Enforcement measures in place
The City has reiterated enforcement controls governing informal trading:
Subletting or outsourcing a trading stall will result in immediate permit revocation.
Non-compliance with by-laws may lead to prosecution and the impoundment or confiscation of goods.
The sale of counterfeit or illicit goods is prohibited and may result in prosecution and permit cancellation.
Each trader may hold only one permit and operate one stall.
Permits will be prioritised for traders operating within officially approved and demarcated areas.
The initial issuance of smartcard permits will be free of charge.
Traders will have four weeks to collect permits, failing which they will be automatically revoked and reallocated.
Replacement of a lost permit will cost R350, while permit renewals will cost R200.
The City says it recognises the role of informal traders in local economic activity and remains committed to ensuring fair, safe and lawful trading conditions.
