Johannesburg
The City of Johannesburg has launched a verification and permit process for informal traders, following a court order to register all vendors by 18 November 2025. Compliant traders will receive smart‑card permits and designated stalls, while illegal vending will be curbed to formalise the sector.
he City of Johannesburg has started a citywide verification and permit process for informal traders, aiming to formalise the sector and ensure compliance with municipal regulations. This follows a court order requiring the city to complete verification, registration, and allocation of trading spaces by 18 November 2025.
Traders must submit identification, proof of residence, and for food vendors, certificates from Environmental Health and fire safety clearance for open‑flame use. Only verified applicants will receive smart‑card permits and access to designated trading zones.
City officials emphasise that the process is not intended to shut down informal trading but to bring it into a structured framework that supports livelihoods while upholding law and urban order. At the same time, enforcement against unlicensed vendors outside designated areas has been intensified.
For Johannesburg’s informal traders, the verification period is a critical window. Those who comply will secure legal trading spots and permits, while those outside the system risk eviction. The city hopes the initiative will create a more organised, transparent, and safer environment for both vendors and residents.
