Johannesburg has failed its informal traders: policies are in place, but action is needed

Informal trading is an integral part of the city of Johannesburg’s identity.

By: Mamokete Modiba, Gauteng City-Region Observatory; Claire Benit-Gbaffou, Aix-Marseille Université (AMU); Sarah Charlton, University of the Witwatersrand, and Tanya Zack, University of the Witwatersrand, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 6, 2026

Words: 1,233

Last Updated: 3 days, 12 hours ago

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By Mamokete Modiba, Gauteng City-Region Observatory; Claire Benit-Gbaffou, Aix-Marseille Université (AMU); Sarah Charlton, University of the Witwatersrand, and Tanya Zack, University of the Witwatersrand

Johannesburg’s inner city is a bustling hub of economic life – a dense, dynamic web of informal traders, adjacent businesses and other users. Informal trading remains an essential survival strategy for many households. It is also a key source of affordable goods and services.

Managing this activity, however, is not straightforward. …

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