The Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI), legal representatives of the SA Informal Traders Organisation (SAITF), launched court action against the City of Joburg, against the removal of informal traders, in De Villiers, Noord and Plein Streets.
Speaking to media at a briefing at the Joburg theatre, on Monday afternoon, Dada Morero, City Mayor, said “we’re not backing down.”
The removal of informal traders is part of efforts to clean the inner City.
Since their removal in early October, Morero said City Parks will plant trees in the area, while Joburg Water, will fix pipes and the pavement. In addition, crime stats have decreased.
He said a full scale up campaign will be launched in November 2025.
Back in 2021, the City lost a similar court case against SERI.
Nomoya Mnisi, MMC of Economic Development in Johannesburg, said various representative organisations of informal traders, were consulted and terms and reference, signed off. This was one of the recommendations of the court outcome of 2021.
She said the disgruntled informal traders give “an impression that they are trading illegally that’s why they don’t want to come forward and register.”
She also said the clean up started in the inner City but has progressed to Jabulani, in Soweto.
Edward Molopi, Spokesperson of SERI confirmed the court hearing is tomorrow, Tuesday, the 21st October 2025.
Picture: JMPD