Protests erupted outside the Johannesburg High Court on Friday afternoon as informal traders clashed with activist groups over the City’s recent removal of street vendors operating without permits.
The protest coincided with a court hearing between the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI) and the City of Johannesburg, following weeks of evictions in the city’s inner streets.
The traders, many of whom had been operating in the central business district for years, say the City’s actions have left them without income or food.
“We are supposed to be paying bills. So, what are we going to do now?” said one vendor who was removed from his long-time trading spot in De Villiers Street.
Others accused the City of unfairly targeting small traders while ignoring the growing unemployment crisis.
The City of Johannesburg has defended its actions, saying it is enforcing bylaws that regulate street trading. Mayor Dada Morero said the crackdown is part of a campaign to “restore order” and ensure that all traders operate within designated zones and hold valid permits.
“We cannot allow people to operate wherever they choose,” he said, adding that the City is “legally obligated to ensure compliance with municipal regulations.”
City officials argue that the informal trade policy approved in 2022—meant to regulate street vending and introduce digital trading permits—had been delayed for years due to litigation and administrative challenges.
The policy was implemented earlier this month, resulting in mass removals of vendors across Johannesburg’s inner city.
According to the City, the operation is part of a broader clean-up ahead of the G20 Leaders Summit scheduled to take place in Johannesburg in November.
Officials believe informal stalls contribute to overcrowding, litter, and crime in the central business district.
“The streets are clean now,” said one resident who supported the evictions.
“I can finally visit my favourite places in downtown.”
However, informal trader associations argue that the City’s approach is unlawful and discriminatory. In their court papers, traders represented by SERI claimed their removal violated their constitutional right to dignity and the freedom to trade. They also allege that their goods were confiscated without warning or compensation.
“We were treated as dirt to be swept away,” the applicants said, adding that the evictions have pushed many families into poverty.
Tensions rose outside the court when members of activist group Operation Dudula arrived to show support for the City’s bylaw enforcement, arguing that the regulations are necessary to address illegal trade and public safety concerns.
The confrontation between the two sides led to a brief scuffle before police intervened to restore order.
Friday’s hearing was the latest development in a long-running dispute between informal traders and the City.
In 2014, the Constitutional Court ruled that similar removals were “humiliating and degrading,” affirming the traders’ right to earn a living.
The outcome of the current case could determine how the City balances regulation with economic inclusion in the months ahead.
The High Court is expected to deliver its judgment in the coming days. Meanwhile, vendors say they will continue to demonstrate until they are allowed to return to their trading spots.
“We just want the chance to work and feed our families,” said trader Mericca Kheswa, who has sold food in the city for nearly three decades.
