Informal traders laid bare their struggles and frustrations of ill treatment, at a tell-all dialogue, organised by the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI) and the South African Informal Traders Forum (SAITF), in Braamfontein, on Friday.
Panelists at the dialogue were Dr Tanya Zack from Wits, Deborah Raduba (SERI), Brian Phalooh (SA Informal Traders Forum) , and Nomatter Ndebele (Journalist).
Panelists agreed traders are resilient and determined against frustrations of being treated as obstacles to urban order rather than contributors to Johannesburg’s economic and social fabric.
Participants shared deeply moving stories about survival, exclusion and perseverance, highlighting the vital role that informal trade plays in sustaining livelihoods for thousands of families across the city.
Speakers and attendees also reflected on recent actions by the City of Johannesburg, including the removal of traders from public spaces.
“We are not asking for handouts, just space to work” said a trader.
Edward Molopi, Spokesperson of SERI said the event reaffirmed that a truly inclusive Johannesburg requires inclusive thinking, rooted in dignity, dialogue and shared prosperity.
“These developments raise pressing questions about justice, livelihood and inclusion. Informal trade, as discussed, is not a nuisance but an economic lifeline and a cornerstone of the city’s informal economy” he said.
The organisations are calling for a more people-centred urban management approach.
This would include proposed designated and regulated trading zones, shared market shelters with essential services and partnerships between city officials, the private sector and traders to co-design sustainable trading models.
The City of Joburg has begun rollout of the informal trader verification process, and moved the registration office to the Johannesburg International Transport Interchange [JITI] at 66 Harrison Street.
The verification process is only open between 9am and 4pm until Tuesday, 18 November 2025.
Picture: Informal Trade Application