The City of Johannesburg is urging informal traders to legalise their businesses through official registration as enforcement operations intensify in the Midrand CBD. The City's approach balances firm law enforcement with support for traders who choose to operate within the rules.
Informal trading remains a vital part of Johannesburg's economy, but it must take place within a regulated framework that protects public safety, infrastructure, and fair access to trading space. Registered traders benefit from approved sites, protection from unlawful interference, and inclusion in formal allocation processes.
To trade legally, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen or legally authorised to conduct business
- Register as an informal trader with the City (renewed annually)
- Comply with City by-laws and policies
- Apply for a demarcated trading space
- Pay the required trading or rental fees
Traders can apply online via the City's Informal Trader Application portal and receive SMS confirmation once registered.
Midrand CBD Blitz Findings
A recent Informal Trading Blitz around the Midrand Taxi Rank, opposite Boulders Mall, exposed serious non-compliance. The operation forms part of a broader programme to restore order and municipal control over public trading spaces, led on site by City Manager Dr Floyd Brink.
Officials found:
- Illegal trading structures blocking pedestrian movement
- Hazardous illegal electricity connections and water leaks
- Unlawfully operated and poorly maintained toilets
- Deteriorating infrastructure and illegal shop subletting
- Unauthorised rent collection linked to taxi industry structures
- Non-payment of rentals affecting maintenance
- Widespread illegal pavement parking
JMPD impounded goods from traders operating outside permitted areas.
Health and Next Steps
Environmental Health inspections revealed inconsistent food safety compliance. Traders received on-site guidance, with further workshops planned.
The City will verify approved traders, reallocate spaces from its database, engage taxi associations, and maintain visible law enforcement.
“This intervention marks a decisive step toward sustained regulation, not a once-off operation. The City will continue to enforce by-laws, regulate informal trading, and restore municipal authority, particularly in key economic nodes such as the Midrand CBD," said City Manager Dr Floyd Brink.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to comply with municipal by-laws and report illegal activities through official City channels:
- Anti-Fraud and Corruption Hotline: 0800 025 87
- Email: Whistle@joburg.org.za
Walk-in: 48 Ameshoff Street, SAPPI Building, Braamfontein 6th Floor: Fraud, Corruption, Theft and Maladministration; 7th Floor: Property Hijacking and Compliance Investigation.
30/01/2026
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