The City of Johannesburg reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting and enabling the informal and township economy, recognising its immense creativity, innovation, and indispensable contribution to inclusive economic growth and job creation across the metropolitan area.

The informal sector is a critical pillar of livelihood sustenance in the City. According to estimates from Stats SA (Q2 2025), the informal sector in Johannesburg employs approximately 457,000 individuals, representing about 22.87% of total employment (excluding Agriculture). This vital contribution is further augmented by another 142,000 jobs generated by private households, demonstrating the central importance of informal trade and micro-enterprises, particularly in the townships.