The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Dada Morero, led a law enforcement and inspection operation at Kwa Mai Mai Traditional Market. Image: Supplied
City of Joburg
1Min
South Africa
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has intensified law enforcement and clean-up operations at Kwa Mai Mai, targeting illegal structures, parking and non-compliant trading activities.
The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Dada Morero, led a law enforcement and inspection operation at Kwa Mai Mai Traditional Market on Friday, emphasising the need for compliance and cleanliness at the historic trading hub.
City officials, working alongside the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC), and the MMC for Economic Development, conducted inspections that uncovered multiple by-law violations.
Among the issues identified were illegal parking and the erection of unlawful housing structures within the market precinct. JMPD officers began impounding vehicles parked illegally, while notices were issued for the demolition of the illegal structures.
Morero said the operation forms part of the City’s broader efforts to restore order and revitalise Kwa Mai Mai as a compliant and thriving business precinct.
Describing the market as a key cultural and economic site, Morero highlighted its historical importance to Johannesburg. He noted that Kwa Mai Mai remains one of the city’s oldest traditional markets, serving as a hub for indigenous knowledge, traditional healing, crafts and cuisine.
“It’s an important node, it’s a tourism node, so it’s important that we ensure there’s by-law enforcement, compliance with the law, and cleanliness. We have also discovered illegal structures that have been built inside,” said Morero.
He added that stronger development planning and earlier intervention are needed to prevent illegal activities and support long-term investment in the area.
“With development planning, we should be coming here sooner so that we can demolish, restore order, and ensure that the project to position Kwa Mai Mai as an important investment hub succeeds, and that small businesses here do find growth,” he said.
Morero reaffirmed that the City will continue enforcement operations to ensure compliance, noting that authorities were satisfied with progress made during Friday’s intervention.
