COJ verification drive clears 161 informal traders as thousands submit new applications

The City of Johannesburg has concluded its court-ordered verification process for informal traders in the inner city — clearing just 161 traders and receiving nearly 3,000 new applications from vendors seeking permits.

The verification process was mandated by the Johannesburg High Court earlier this month, ordereding the City to verify, register, and reallocate trading spaces to traders who were forcibly removed during by-law enforcement operations.

– Smart-card permits issued, suspense permits under review –

At a media briefing on Tuesday, Johannesburg Mayor, Dada Morero, confirmed that 44 smart-card permits were issued today, with more to be rolled out from tomorrow.

Morero said 30 of the 161 verified traders fall under “suspense permits” — where the original permit holder has passed the trading space to a family member — and these new operators will undergo additional verification.

He also confirmed that the City received a list of 750 traders from rights group SERI, but that number dropped to just over 500 after many applicants were found to be undocumented foreign nationals.

Of the 161 traders who were verified, only nine were found ineligible for permits.

– Nearly 3,000 new applications flood the city –

As the verification process closed, officials reported that 2,819 new applications were submitted by informal traders seeking legal trading status.

Morero noted that several of the originally listed traders did not present themselves for verification because they are in the country illegally.

He added that the City currently has only 208 available stalls — far fewer than the number of traders seeking space — meaning new trading models will need to be developed.

Morero emphasised that not all applicants can be accommodated in the inner city, and that alternative trading solutions will be designed with relevant departments.

The mayor also issued a stern warning against the subletting of trading spaces, calling the practice illegal and grounds for immediate permit revocation.

 

City officials say investigations are underway into individuals accused of running subletting syndicates and collecting unauthorised rental fees from traders.

Long-time traders welcome permits after months without income

Some traders in the CBD have welcomed the issuing of permits today, saying the months spent without operating were painful and financially devastating.

More than 300 traders from the original list of around 500 were ultimately disqualified — with the City citing undocumented immigration status and missing paperwork as key reasons.

Long-time trader Dimakatso Kgaphulo, who has been operating in the CBD for over 30 years, says that while she welcomes the permit, she hopes the City will move beyond issuing documents and offer meaningful support for informal traders to survive and grow.

 

She says frequent changes to bylaws disrupt their livelihoods, even when traders comply fully.

All cleared traders are expected to return to their designated trading spots by Friday.

Joburg Meets High Court Deadline on Verification of Informal Traders

The City confirms that the court-mandated deadline for the verification and allocation of trading stalls for informal traders was successfully met on Tuesday, 18 November. This marks a key step in establishing… pic.twitter.com/4h1umzVZI1

— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) November 18, 2025

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe