City of Joburg’s revival campaign sparks court battle over informal traders’ livelihoods

City of Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has been driving a month-long campaign to bring life back to the inner city.

The informal trading sector has been severely impacted, after street vendors were removed for bylaw infringements.

“Rules must be observed and, unfortunately, sometimes chaotic environments create opportunity for others,” says Dr Sibongile Vilakazi, academic, author, and organisational developer.

The Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI) is taking the City to court over the removal, as due process was not followed.

RELATED: CoJ & SERI in court over metro’s removal of informal traders in parts of Joburg

Lead attorney Deborah Rabuda says prior notice was not given, and no interim measures were put in place.

She says that many of their clients have been trading in the area for over 30 years and have had valid permits with the city and paid rent to the Joburg Property Company.

“The narrative is that our clients, specifically the South Africa Informal Traders Forum, is being seen to resist the bylaw enforcement and the cleanliness. They have had to exist in what was happening, and they have always tried to comply as far as it has been possible.”

She adds, “With prior notice and information of what development plans the city has, they can then make interim measures. As it stands now, they don’t know when they will be able to trade, and they live hand-to-mouth. It’s been three weeks."

To listen to academic Dr Sibongile Vilakazi and SERI lead attorney Deborah Rabuda in conversation with 702’s Bongani Bingwa, click the audio below: