Joburg cracks down on illegal events, student gambling, and non-compliant traders ahead of festive season

The City of Johannesburg is tightening its grip on public safety this festive season, targeting illegal street parties, unlicensed venues, rising student gambling, and non-compliant informal trading.

– Illegal Events & Festive Safety Clampdown –

Public Safety MMC, Mgcini Tshwaku, announced a firm crackdown on unregistered street events and unsafe entertainment spots during the launch of the Festive Season Safety Campaign in the CBD.

He warned that unauthorised gatherings will be shut down to prevent tragedies like those in Diepkloof and Soweto Zone 6.

The city has also halted new liquor licence approvals, citing taverns as major contributors to festive-season crime.

– Rising Gambling Addiction Among Students –

Tshwaku flagged growing online gambling among students, particularly the misuse of NSFAS allowances for betting.

He said gambling is now as addictive as alcohol, aggressively promoted through celebrity endorsements and social media.

He says students are spending their allowances on betting and end up stranded without money for transport or essentials.

The city plans to push for stricter controls with provincial licensing bodies.

– Stricter Informal Trading Enforcement –

Turning to informal trading, Tshwaku said renewed enforcement of the informal trading policy is already improving pedestrian flow, keeping pavements clear, and increasing by-law visibility along De Villiers and Plein Streets.

Traders must hold valid permits, ID, proof of residence, and operate within designated zones, while subletting permits is banned.

He added that undocumented traders and those outside permitted areas will face intensified enforcement, including roadblocks and joint JMPD–SAPS operations.

As the festive period ramps up, Johannesburg residents can expect increased enforcement, heightened visibility, and zero tolerance for activities that compromise public safety.

♦️IN PICTURES♦️

Today’s briefing focuses on two core priorities: Presenting the Department’s performance and notable achievements for the second quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year.Officially launching the 2025 Festive Season Safety Campaign from a strategic point in the… pic.twitter.com/uIHxwdjdJo

— COJ People’s MMC Public Safety (@PublicSafetyMMC) December 12, 2025

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe