Johannesburg Mayor cracks down on illegal street trading at Bree Taxi rank
Johannesburg Mayor cracks down on illegal street trading at Bree Taxi rank! Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has announced that street vendors operating outside Bree Taxi Rank in the city’s CBD will be removed on Monday as part of an effort to enforce municipal bylaws.
Morero made the announcement on Friday during a visit to various small businesses and taxi ranks in the area. His visit formed part of a high-impact service delivery operation aimed at cleaning up the inner city and ensuring compliance with trading regulations.
Street Vendors Asked to Present Permits
During the visit, several street vendors trading outside designated areas were asked to present their permits.
Morero stressed that while some small businesses inside the designated trading zones were compliant, many street traders operating outside Bree Taxi Rank did not have the necessary documentation.
“Of the small business traders who are inside, they are all fully compliant. We are happy. We have no issues. The issue is those who are trading outside, which is not designated for trading. So, we’ll have to deal with those ones and deal with them harshly,” said Morero.
Why Are Vendors Being Removed?
The Mayor explained that illegal street trading creates unfair competition for formal shop owners who pay rent, taxes, and business rates to operate legally.
Key Issues Identified by the City:
✔ Unfair Business Competition – Legal shop owners argue that street traders who do not pay rent or rates have an unfair advantage, as they operate without the same financial obligations.
✔ Congestion and Safety Concerns – The presence of unauthorized traders outside Bree Taxi Rank has led to overcrowding, blocked sidewalks, and safety hazards for pedestrians.
✔ Lack of Hygiene and Cleanliness – Some of the unauthorized stalls contribute to littering and waste accumulation, making it difficult to keep the city clean.
Strict Enforcement of Bylaws
Morero warned that law enforcement will be strictly enforcing bylaws in areas where street trading is not permitted.
He added that the city will deploy law enforcement officials to ensure that those without proper permits are removed and that designated trading spaces are properly managed.
“We will have to deal with those ones and deal with them harshly,” said Morero, reinforcing his commitment to stricter bylaw enforcement.
The operation aligns with Johannesburg’s broader efforts to revitalize the inner city by addressing illegal trading, crime, and urban decay.
Mixed Reactions from Traders and Residents
The planned removals have sparked mixed reactions from the public.
SUPPORT FOR THE CITY’S DECISION
Some business owners and residents welcome the move, arguing that:
✔ Legal traders should be prioritized – Shop owners who follow the rules should not have to compete unfairly with those who do not.
✔ The city needs to be cleaned up – Many believe that cracking down on illegal traders will help improve cleanliness and order in the CBD.
✔ It will reduce crime – Some residents claim that unregulated street vending contributes to criminal activity, as some traders sell counterfeit goods or use their stalls as a front for crime.
OPPOSITION FROM STREET VENDORS
On the other hand, many street vendors argue that:
❌ They are trying to earn a living – Many of the vendors say they are just trying to support their families and have no other economic opportunities.
❌ Permits are difficult to obtain – Some claim that the process of applying for legal trading spaces is slow and expensive, leaving them no choice but to trade illegally.
❌ The removals could lead to unemployment – Vendors fear that shutting down their stalls will leave them jobless and without income.
What Happens Next?
Starting Monday, city law enforcement officials will be deployed to remove illegal traders, ensuring that only permitted vendors operate within the designated trading areas.
The operation is expected to continue in other parts of Johannesburg’s CBD, with officials monitoring compliance with business regulations.
Morero has not ruled out further crackdowns on unauthorized businesses, saying that his administration is committed to restoring order and fairness to Johannesburg’s economy.
With tensions high between the city and informal traders, the coming weeks will determine how effectively the city manages enforcement while balancing the economic realities of street vendors.
