City of Joburg denies targeting informal traders

The City of Johannesburg has denied allegations that it has been targeting informal traders, following the removal of those operating outside designated areas.

Nearly a month has passed since the city began evicting hawkers who were selling goods without the required municipal permits.

READ: SERI hails court ruling ordering CoJ to speed up allocation of trading stalls

On Monday, the Gauteng High Court ordered the city to expedite the process of verifying informal traders’ credentials and assigning them proper stalls.

The Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI) had taken the city to court, arguing that the evictions infringed on traders’ right to earn a living.

Acting Johannesburg Mayor Eunice Mgcina has emphasised that the CBD must be cleaned, which includes regulating the informal trading sector.

"We are cleaning Johannesburg for their interests because we want to get them in order. They must have permits, so that no one can come to them and traumatise them. We want to assure our residents that this is done on their behalf and we intend to do good things for them."

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CoJ says court ruling ordering it to speed up verification & registration of informal traders 'a victory'

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