The City of Johannesburg has welcomed a recent judicial decision in the ongoing informal traders matter, acknowledging the court’s ruling to refer the dispute to mediation.
Previously, The Star reported that the Gauteng High Court had instructed the city to fast-track the verification, registration, and allocation of informal traders who were removed from inner-city trading areas. That process, scheduled to run from November 4 to 18, was aimed at ensuring compliance with municipal bylaws and restoring lawful trading for qualifying traders.
The court also ordered the city and trader representatives, including the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI), to enter into mediation to resolve disputes over trading rights and designated spaces.
The ruling comes amid ongoing tensions following the city’s crackdown on traders operating outside designated areas. While the city maintains that enforcement is necessary to uphold order, safety and municipal regulations, affected traders argue that the measures infringe on their constitutional right to earn a living. The mediation process is intended to strike a balance between lawful regulation and the protection of traders’ economic rights.
The City said it respects the court’s call for dialogue and confirmed its commitment to participating in the mediation process. It further revealed that the matter was referred to mediation before former Deputy Judge President Phineas Mojapelo following submissions by its legal team.
“Pursuant to submissions made by the City’s legal counsel, the Court directed that the matter be referred to mediation before former Deputy Judge President Phineas Mojapelo, who has already been appointed to mediate a similar dispute arising from an application instituted by the South African Informal Traders Forum and other traders in October 2025. The city is encouraged by the court’s decision to refrain from interfering with the lawful exercise of the city’s powers,” the city said.
The city reiterated that while it recognises the significant economic role played by informal traders, all trading must comply with municipal bylaws to ensure order, safety, and security. It stressed that trading is permitted only for authorised permit holders, in allocated stalls and designated areas, adding that the December 23 legal proceedings underscored the importance of compliance and constructive engagement.
However, the city emphasised that lawlessness in the Inner City will not be tolerated.
“The City remains resolute in upholding the rule of law and will continue to intensify bylaw enforcement to ensure a safe, orderly and secure environment. Decisive action will be taken against any unlawful activities,” it stated.
City Manager Floyd Brink said Johannesburg was built on order and respect for the rule of law.
“Johannesburg is a city built on order and respect for the rule of law. While we are committed to engaging with our traders and supporting economic activity, we will not compromise on the rule of law. We will continue to enforce bylaws vigorously and ensure that our city remains secure and stable for all residents and visitors,” Brink said.
The City cautioned informal traders to comply with municipal bylaws and participate in official processes to ensure lawful trading while calling on all stakeholders to respect legal processes and work collaboratively towards sustainable solutions for the inner city.
The Star