High Court rules City of Joburg must expedite registering, verifying informal traders

Johannesburg
Alpha Ramushwana

Alpha Ramushwana

3 November 2025 | 10:11

The Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa took the metro to court after it removed informal traders operating illegally or outside designated areas.

High Court rules City of Joburg must expedite registering, verifying informal traders

Informal traders protest against the City of Johannesburg outside the High Court in Johannesburg on Monday, 3 November 2025. Picture: Alpha Ramushwana/EWN

The South Gauteng High Court has ordered the city of Joburg to accelerate the process of verifying and registering informal traders.

The Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa took the metro to court after it removed informal traders operating illegally or outside designated areas.

During the proceedings, SERI argued the traders were treated unfairly and that their rights to trade and earn a living had been violated.

ALSO READ: Informal traders fight for livelihoods as Joburg cracks down on CBD businesses

However, Judge Brad Wanless has ruled the metro is required to enforce by-laws while verifying all informal traders in Johannesburg.

"The city of Johannesburg is to conduct and expedite the verification, registration and re-registration and allocation [of stands]. The process shall commence on the 4th of November 2025 and shall be completed by no later than the 18th of November."

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