The City of Johannesburg expresses its approval of the recent court ruling that reaffirms its position on regulating informal trading in the inner city. This decision by the court highlights the necessity of establishing a structured and compliant framework for informal traders, ensuring a balanced strategy that fosters economic growth while upholding order and respecting the rights of both residents and businesses.

In light of today’s judgment, the Court has directed the City to accelerate the verification process and the issuance of permits to qualified traders. All eligible traders are required to participate in a physical verification. The City will initiate the verification process tomorrow, 4 November 2025, which will continue until 18 November 2025. As stated by the Executive Mayor, Morero, “This initiative is designed to formalize trading activities, improve compliance with by-laws, and foster a safe and orderly trading environment.”