JMPD enforces rules against illegal vendors
Local traders urge city officials to provide areas where they can operate without fear of their goods being confiscated.
In a recent enforcement operation, JMPD targeted unauthorised vendors in Ward 94, raising questions about public safety and the need for legal trading spaces.
Read more: JMPD enforces rules against illegal vendors
JMPD swept through Ward 94, confiscating goods from vendors operating illegally on provincial roads such as the R511/Winnie Mandela Drive slipway, Witkoppen Road, Cedar Road, and Roos Street.
The operation stemmed from a request by ward councillor David Foley, who has been vocal about the negative impacts of illegal street vending, particularly regarding public safety and health.
Foley outlined the community’s frustrations with the problems posed by these vendors, which include littering and hazardous open fires. He emphasised the danger these vendors caused to motorists. “Drivers cannot see effectively on slipways and intersections as motorists stop to buy food. This congestion not only causes frustration but also poses a risk to drivers and pedestrians.”
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said, “The operation was part of a broader initiative conducted by the Regional Offices and By-Laws Management Unit, which runs a planned programme to uphold municipal regulations across Region A.
“Our department will continue to monitor the area and enforce municipal by-laws consistently to deter illegal vending activities. We aim to ensure that informal traders operate legally, in designated areas, as we recognise the importance of this sector to the economy.”
Also read: JMPD takes action to clear roads of illegal vendors
Some vendors claimed that they were operating legally. Mutsemi Tichavhona said he had a valid permit issued by the city authorities and made an effort to adhere to regulations and maintain a clean environment. “We’ve pleaded with the city to organise a place for us so we can move from the pavements,” he said.
Brown Nkosi and Thabo Letseng also expressed their frustrations and claimed to have permits to operate. “I have all the necessary paperwork but I need a proper place to sell my goods. We want to operate legally. If the city could help us find a place to sell, we would gladly comply with the rules,” said Letseng.
Foley acknowledged that the vendors did have permits, however, they were not operating in an area designated by the city.
Fihla concluded, ”The City of Johannesburg encourages informal trading but stresses compliance with the Informal Trading By-Laws and other applicable laws. The council has designated specific areas for such activities, and any informal trader wishing to operate legally must apply through the Department of Economic Development.”
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