The City of Johannesburg is set to implement its long-term development strategy with a focus on informal trade to create a vibrant inclusive economy in a well- managed and welcoming Inner City.
Given the high number of challenges experienced in the Inner City streets which amongst others includes:
• Trading activities that impede the movement of pedestrians
• The deterioration of the public environment on many streets due to high volumes of trading activity
• Illegal traders using the overcrowded conditions to evade bylaw enforcement.
• SAPS and JMPD having difficulties combating crime due to the conditions
• Limited trading spaces
The Department of Economic Development’s Informal Trading Unit has completed its review of the Informal Trading Policy. The policy itself has been checked by several technical and political committees and is in the process of being sent to Council ratification and subsequent public participation. The policy seeks the following amongst other things;
The application process consisting of two phases:
• Registration on the Informal Trade City register, and
• Permit application which specifies the area, trading fees and conditions of authorization to trade.
The City is fully aware of how badly the Covid 19 pandemic has affected informal traders and has been engaging trader associations to help normalize the situation under the circumstances.
Trading permit registration and application forms can be collected from the City’s Informal Trading Unit (ITU), 66 Jorrissen Place Braamfontein.
This will be by appointment only and subject to strict Covid 19 protocols. The ITU is currently in discussions to facilitate online applications.
The following supporting documents must accompany an application:
1. certified copy of the applicant’s identity document, card, South African Passport , or other valid identity document
2. In the case of foreigners, documentary proof of authorization to carry on business as an informal trader that has been issued by the South African immigration authorities
3. Two identity document-format photographs of the applicant
4. An undertaking by the applicant that he or she has no other means of livelihood and is unemployed in a commissioned affidavit
5. Certified proof of residence.
All trading in the city can only take place in legally demarcated areas in compliance to City’s policies, applicable legislation and bylaws. The Trading area will not be transferrable and no subletting will be allowed. The City and its authorised representatives/agents shall have 24 hour’s unrestricted access to the demarcated area and any other municipal services in the area.
This allows traders to trade freely and safely without fear of removal by JMPD. The traders associations play an important role in facilitating education, meetings, resolving issues and creating a clean environment together with the relevant city departments.
Joburg has always recognized the critical role informal trading plays as part of the third economy.
Ends
By
Virgil James
Communications Specialist
City of Joburg
082 467 9415
