Tears And Tension As Joburg Informal Traders Battle City Crackdown In CBD Clean-Up Drive

The City of Johannesburg is under mounting pressure following its controversial crackdown on informal traders operating in the central business district (CBD). The campaign, aimed at “cleaning up” the city, has seen scores of vendors removed from their trading spots, triggering outrage and legal action.

For many traders, the clampdown has been devastating. They say being barred from operating in undesignated areas has left their families without a source of income.

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On Friday, the dispute reached the High Court, where the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI) is challenging the municipality’s decision on behalf of the traders.

Outside the courthouse, protesters gathered—some demanding the traders’ right to work be upheld, while others backed the city’s enforcement of order in the CBD.

City Faces Court Showdown Over Informal Trading Crackdown

Among those affected is Matron Mhlanga, a long-time informal trader who said her family has been plunged into financial hardship since the City forced her out of her trading spot.

“We are not waiting for tenders to make a living. We are selling in the streets and making a living,” Mhlanga said, expressing frustration over what she described as the city’s disregard for their livelihoods. “We are not waiting for grants or RDP houses.”

However, Operation Dudula’s Sibongile Maseko insisted that traders must follow the proper procedures and apply for permits before setting up stalls.

“It only happens here in South Africa,” Maseko argued. “The South Africans that want to trade must approach the city and apply for those permits. It’s illegality and we cannot allow that.”

City Defends Enforcement of CBD Bylaws

The City of Johannesburg has defended its stance, saying unauthorised trading has contributed to the “deterioration and degradation” of the inner-city environment. Officials maintain that enforcing bylaws is essential to restore order and ensure fair regulation of business spaces.

Mayor Dada Morero reiterated that enforcement would continue despite growing criticism.

“There are processes in any government. Only when you register, we’ll give you a stall. If there is no stall available, you have to wait,” Morero said. “There are processes, and everybody is required to respect the law.”

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