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15h ago

Court Delays Johannesburg Trader Evictions Case as Talks Stall

The judge granted time for negotiations over the city's verification plan tied to a 2022 policy regulating who may trade on inner-city streets.

Mayor Dada Morero hands over an informal trading permit at Noord Street Market, Johannesburg, on 24 October. (Photo: Sharon Seretlo / Gallo Images)
City of Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero. Picture: Gallo Images / Sharon Seretlo

Overview

  • Proceedings in the Gauteng High Court were postponed to Monday after the City of Johannesburg and SERI failed to reach agreement in Friday’s talks.
  • The City defends the removals as by-law enforcement under its 2022 informal trading policy and wants a verification process, including checks on citizenship or asylum status, with the mayor asking for 14 days and saying only citizens qualify under city rules.
  • SERI argues the evictions are unlawful, seeks restoration of trading rights, and cites a 2014 Constitutional Court ruling that protected traders’ right to earn a living.
  • Traders say more than 500 people were displaced while the City’s proposed relocation would accommodate about 200, and only 40 new smart-card permits have been issued so far.
  • Vendors report severe income losses since early October, and the mayor has warned traders will not return to the streets until the dispute is resolved.