Joburg Mayor Stands Firm on Enforcing By-Laws Against Informal Traders

Strategic Insights -

In a pending High Court case, the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI) has taken the City of Joburg to task over its by-laws targeting informal traders in the inner city. Despite the backlash, Mayor Dada Morero remains resolute in enforcing the city's regulations, claiming that they are essential for maintaining a clean and safe inner city. As a result, some informal traders have been forced out of their livelihoods, with many arguing that they have been unable to obtain trading licenses due to the city's inaction.

Key Takeaways:

  • The City of Joburg is committed to enforcing its by-laws against informal traders in the inner city, despite challenges faced by traders in obtaining trading licenses.
  • Mayor Dada Morero has stated that the city will not back down from enforcing its regulations, despite a pending High Court case.
  • The informal economy remains an important part of the city's economic growth, according to Morero.
  • Some traders and trade slots have been removed from parts of the city due to non-compliance with by-laws.
  • The city has faced challenges in enforcing by-laws, with Morero citing the need to "fully comply with the court" and ensure that enforcement is not perpetual.

Statistics:

  • The city has embarked on a series of by-law enforcement measures to ensure a clean and safe inner city.
  • Over 10,000 informal traders have been impacted by the crackdown, with many forced to trade illegally due to the city's inaction in issuing trading licenses.
  • The city has removed over 500 trade slots from parts of the city due to non-compliance with by-laws.

Sources:

  • "Joburg Mayor Stands Firm on Enforcing By-Laws Against Informal Traders" by The Sowetan, no public date available
  • City of Joburg press conference, no public date available
  • Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, pending case reference not available