Informal traders who were removed from parts of the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD) as part of the city’s clean-up campaign say their livelihoods have been seriously affected.

They are currently protesting outside the Johannesburg High Court, ahead of a court battle between the Socio-Economic Rights Institute and the City of Johannesburg.

Recently, the city has implemented a programme to remove illegal traders operating in areas where trading is not allowed and without authorisation.

Spirits are high at the Johannesburg High Court of South Africa as residents, counsellors and political parties gather regarding the City’s implementation of trading policy by-laws.

The SERI vs City of Joburg court case is set to begin shortly.#JoburgBylaws… pic.twitter.com/apxlVh1PV2

— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) October 31, 2025

These traders say they are now finding it difficult to make out a living.

One trader says they have been a street trader since 2003, selling fruits and vegetables, “Right now I can’t afford to pay school fees for my kids. The other one is in varsity, and I can’t even send her something.”

Another trader says, “They must do their job, if they are cleaning the City of Johannesburg, they must do it rightfully and leave us alone. We are hustling for our kids here.”

Video | Johannesburg inner city traders up in arms over trading permits: