City of Johannesburg and informal traders clash over by-law enforcement

Protests erupted outside the Johannesburg High Court on Friday as informal traders and political parties clashed with the City of Johannesburg over its by-law enforcement operations.

The City recently removed traders from the CBD, citing efforts to reclaim Johannesburg from lawlessness and urban decay, while traders say the clean-up has deprived them of their livelihoods.

A heavy police presence was deployed outside the court as tensions mounted between political parties and traders over the City’s approach.

ActionSA’s, Julius Sondag, said years of non-compliance have left Johannesburg in chaos, and firm measures are needed to restore order.

Informal trader, Linah Mboweni, from Hammanskraal, who has been selling in the CBD since 1994, says government has failed to help them secure permits, leaving families like hers without an income.

As protests continue outside, City officials and the traders’ legal teams remain inside court, attempting to reach a settlement.

Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have criticized Johannesburg’s by-law enforcement drive, calling it unfairly targeted at informal traders.

The party, which joined the demonstrations, says the city is focusing on the wrong priorities instead of addressing issues such as drugs, corruption, and crime.

EFF Sub-Region F Secretary, Mangaliso Sambo, claims Mayor Dada Morero has used the clean-up campaign into a political tool to boost his profile ahead of next year’s local government elections.

Mayor Morero, however, defends the operation as an effort to restore order and reclaim the CBD from criminal activity — a position backed by several civic organisations.

Umphakathi Warona representative, Kim Baloyi, welcomed the clean-up campaign, praising law enforcement for maintaining a visible presence in the CBD.

The legal dispute stems from the City’s recent by-law enforcement drive, which resulted in many traders being removed from their long-standing spots.

Mayor Morero says he hopes for an outcome that resolves the matter without further burdening the courts, adding that while the City is trying to help traders operate legally, it does not have the capacity to accommodate everyone.

The mayor says he anticipated strong public reactions to the clean-up campaign, based on social media responses.

After hours of deliberation, no agreement was reached, with De Villiers Street remaining the main point of contention. Traders are demanding to return to their trading spots, while the City maintains it cannot reallocate the area.

Judge Brad Wanless has postponed the case to Monday, allowing both parties time to find common ground and determine whether mediation will be needed.

The City and informal traders are expected to use the weekend to resolve their differences before returning to court.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe