The Members of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Transport and Public Safety launched a multidisciplinary operation under Buya Mthetho over the past two weeks to reclaim public spaces.
The initiative was to enforce the city’s by-laws and bring order in the designated trading sites by implementing a verification process to enable eligible traders to exercise their right to trade free from intimidation, criminality and abuse by parasitic landlords.
As the operation intensified over the last few days, the Socio-Economic Right Institute (Seri), unfortunately launched a court application to interdict the operation. The interim order granted allow traders to return to their sites while we await the final judgment.
We wish to underscore our commitment to observe the court order. We will, however, continue with onsite verification process with JMPD ensuring order on the streets. We have engaged the services of Home Affairs, SARS and SAPS to assist with rooting out criminality and illegality in the process.
To suggest that Johannesburg’s CBD is riddled with lawlessness is an understatement. Johannesburg is filthy and non-compliance with by-laws has become the order of the day. Hence, it has become necessary for the multiparty government to re-instate Buya Mthetho – an interdepartmental programme to restore law and order across the length and breadth of Johannesburg.
We remain committed to ensure the revitalisation of the inner city and to ensure that Johannesburg becomes a safe, clean and orderly space where trading can boom and boost our economy to grow exponentially.
As a city, we are committed not only to restoring respect for the rule of law but to also adhere to upholding the rights of all residents of the City. These rights also include of those who wish to trade legally but do not wish to be inconvenienced by lawlessness and an unbridled trade.
Our verification process for informal trading in the city continues and we urge all traders to come forward and verify their credentials.
Ends
Issued by:
Cllr David Tembe
MMC for Public Safety
City of Joburg
Media Enquiries Contact:
Karabo Seane
Deputy Director: Communications & Stakeholder Management
Office of the MMC: Public Safety
078 269 4416
karabosea@joburg.org.za
28/07/2022
