CoJ: Some vendors with trading permits subletting stalls to undocumented foreign nationals

The City of Johannesburg has revealed that some street vendors with trading permits have been subletting their stalls to undocumented foreign nationals.

On Thursday, city officials carried out an inspection on De Villiers Street in the CBD, an area known for the sale of second-hand clothing.

ALSO READ: CoJ concerned informal traders appear reluctant to register for permits

During the inspection, officials discovered an informal trader selling food and clothing from the same small stall.

The Gauteng High Court has ordered the city to register, and issue permits to over 500 informal traders by 18 November

The City of Johannesburg doesn’t have any policy or legislation that prohibits foreign nationals from working as informal traders.

However, immigrants must prove that they are in the country legally and present their immigration documents in order to set up shop.

During a raid on a store on De Villiers Street on Thursday night, one worker fled when asked to show his passport.

Human Settlements MMC Mlungisi Mabaso said he is noticing a concerning and illegal trend.

“Some of those that have obtained permits are subletting these stalls to [undocumented] foreigners. We are worried about the conduct of some of our South African citizens who are obtaining these permits and giving them to foreign nationals.”

The city said most informal traders seem to have no interest in applying for permits.

It is urging them to take the opportunity to apply for the trading permits seriously.

Acting Mayor Eunice Mgcina said most of the 500 traders who were invited to register have not yet shown up.

“Our way forward is that we are going to continue with our operations. That is the only reason why we are going to appeal because an appeal will set aside the judgment. I don’t think South Africans are ready for this, because the hype out there is that people are tired of the illegality from foreigners.”

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