Permit Turmoil Leaves Johannesburg’s Informal Traders in Uncertainty

Numerous informal traders are struggling to make ends meet as the City of Johannesburg has yet to provide permits and designated trading areas.

As reported in a November press release from the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (Seri), the City began forcibly removing and confiscating goods from informal traders at various locations in the city center in October. The once-bustling De Villiers Street trading location has now been classified as a non-trading zone.

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Seri informed GroundUp that the removals occurred without a court order or prior notice, violating the Businesses Act.

The process was termed “chaotic” by Brian Phaalo, general secretary of the South African Informal Traders Forum.

“Some traders who were removed held smart card permits previously issued by the City. They were taken from locations that had been assigned to them many years ago, which is illogical.”

Following a court application by Seri on behalf of the traders on November 3, the Gauteng High Court directed the municipality to conduct verification, registration, and allocation of trading spaces, with a deadline of two weeks.

Delays

Months later, Phaalo reports that the municipality has yet to effectively register and allocate trading spaces for all traders, leaving many in uncertainty.

Edward Molopi from Seri stated that mediation between the parties is still ongoing. “At least 661 traders are impacted by the evictions and remain unable to trade. This means they have been unable to earn a living for the last six months to support their families.”

Despite the strict directives, many traders have returned to their locations, determined to earn an income. They have faced harassment from Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officers, who have confiscated their merchandise.

“Many of us prefer to evade the JMPD. If I stay home, how will I provide for my children back in KZN?” asked Agripa Bongumusa Buthelezi.

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Buthelezi sells cellphone accessories along Klein Street. He has been a trader in the city center for over a decade.

Despite being issued a smart card permit years ago and having paid the municipality for his stall, he was removed in October.

Two months ago, Buthelezi completed the verification process and obtained a new permit. Yet, JMPD officers still pursue him and other traders, claiming they are in an unauthorized area. “I’m now living hand to mouth,” remarked Buthelezi.

Rose Mhlanga has sold fruits and vegetables along Rissik Street for 30 years and holds a smart card permit. After being chased away by JMPD in October, she has resumed her stall. She sustained a chest injury a week ago while fleeing from JMPD officers who seized her goods.

“I care for three grandchildren. I must do my business for us to survive,” Alleges Mhlanga.

City responds

Patson Khosa of the City’s Department of Economic Development: Sustainable Employment Facilitation Unit stated the permit issuance process was piloted at Kwa Mai Mai and Jeppe Market in July 2024, followed by a comprehensive rollout beginning in November 2025. She attributed delays to ongoing legal disputes between the City and Seri.

Khosa mentioned that traders who received permits were assigned trading spots, but many are unlikely to return to their previous sites.

“The City can only accommodate [all] traders according to the designated trading area.”

© 2026 GroundUp. This article was first published here.