11/06/2025
TRADERS VS MUNICIPALITY OVER R9M KOPANONG MARKET
Informal traders demand return of containers removed by the City of Johannesburg
The long-standing dispute between informal traders in Ivory Park and the City of Johannesburg has escalated after the City removed storage containers used by the traders at the Kopanong Market.
Lawyers from the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI) have stepped in, demanding action and threatening legal proceedings.
BACKGROUND:
• In 2016, the City of Johannesburg introduced a formalized R9 million market at Kopanong, Ivory Park, using 49 shipping containers, each designed to accommodate two traders. The goal was to better manage street trading and ease pedestrian flow.
• Over the years, traders at the market, many of whom are members of the South African Informal Traders Forum (SAITF), raised concerns about heavy-handed enforcement by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and inconsistent bylaws enforcement.
BYLAW ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN:
• Since February 2025, the City launched an operation to enforce trading bylaws, checking that traders were properly registered and operating in designated zones.
• During this campaign, numerous permitted traders across Johannesburg had their goods confiscated, sparking outrage and claims of unfair treatment, especially among immigrant traders.
ESCALATION AT KOPANONG:
• In March 2017, then MMC for Economic Development, Sharon Peetz, visited the site and reaffirmed the City’s commitment to upgrading the market.
• The containers haven’t been operational since then.
• By end of April this year, tensions grew. The JMPD accused the traders of lawlessness, and a visit by the current MMC and Ward Councillor Yoliswa Twala allegedly warned traders that the containers would be removed.
• 30 April – 6 May 2025: The City began removing the containers, citing safety concerns after the body of an unidentified man was discovered in one of them. Traders say this was done without proper consultation, and their stored stock was lost.
LEGAL ACTION:
• 5 May 2025: SERI, representing 140 traders, issued a letter of demand to the City, insisting on the return of the confiscated containers and a halt to any further evictions.
• SERI’s demands include:
• The return of the containers.
• Consultation with traders before altering market infrastructure.
• A clear plan to support trading in the area without undue interference.
CITY’S POSITION:
• Councillor Twala confirmed that the containers were removed for safety, alleging they were used by criminals.
• She added that the City intends to repurpose the space for Rea Vaya buses, and traders would be relocated after a verification process.
CURRENT STATUS:
The City of Johannesburg has not responded to multiple requests for comment.
Traders remain without secure storage, fearing eviction, and are calling for urgent engagement from the City.
Ivory Park Times will continue monitoring this developing story and share updates with the community.
Photos: Kimberly Mutandiro for GroundUp