The City of Johannesburg has conducted a critical follow-up inspection along De Villiers Street, focusing on post-court order compliance, permit verification, and the ongoing revitalisation of the precinct. The exercise follows the recent court ruling affirming the City’s authority to regulate informal trading within the inner city.
While the initial phase of enforcement earlier this week reflected a measured pace of compliance, City officials have reported encouraging progress. The inspection confirmed a steady increase in traders registering for legitimate business permits, signalling growing cooperation between informal traders and municipal authorities.
Teams from the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) and the City’s Department of Economic Development are also working jointly to rejuvenate the De Villiers precinct. This includes clearing illegal structures, restoring pedestrian pathways, and reactivating public spaces in line with the City’s vision for a clean, safe, and inclusive urban environment.
Executive Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda reaffirmed that the City remains committed to balancing economic opportunity with urban order. “We are building a city where legitimate traders thrive within the framework of the law,” he said.
The initiative forms part of the City’s broader inner-city regeneration programme, which aims to promote sustainable livelihoods, ensure public safety, and enhance the overall quality of life in Johannesburg.