CoJ vs informal traders: Operation Dududla says bylaws must be respected

Operation Dudula has joined the demonstrations taking place outside the Johannesburg High Court.

This is where the City of Joburg and the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI) are in a legal battle over the removal of informal traders from spots around the CBD.

SERI, which represents the traders, argues the city is violating their constitutional right to earn a living.

The city has been removing informal traders who have been operating in undesignated areas without municipal approval, as part of its efforts to clean up the inner city.

It’s been a difficult month for dozens of informal traders, who say they’ve lost their income after being removed from their usual trading spots.

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

One informal trader said he understood that bylaws must be enforced, but the move has made it harder for him to provide for his family.

“Cleaning Joburg is what I want to see happening, but stopping me from trading without a notice and claiming that I’m illegal, then the mayor must think again.”

But Operation Dudula’s Sibongile Maseko said laws must be respected.

“You cannot be selling anywhere. There are designated areas for hawkers. That is what the city is advocating for.”

Inside the court, SERI and the City have begun legal arguments.

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