High Court postpones traders’ eviction case as tensions rise in Johannesburg

High Court postpones traders’ eviction case as tensions rise in Johannesburg

Mapaballo Borotho

• The Johannesburg High Court has postponed SERI’s urgent application challenging the removal of informal traders in the city.
• SERI argues that the City of Johannesburg is infringing on traders’ constitutional right to earn a living, while the City insists the removals comply with bylaws.
• The postponement comes amid mounting tensions and protests in the CBD.

Tensions were high in the streets of Johannesburg on Friday as the City of Johannesburg and the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI) failed to reach a resolution over the removal of informal traders.

SERI brought an urgent application before the Johannesburg High Court, arguing that the City is violating traders’ constitutional right to earn a living amid South Africa’s high unemployment rate.

The City, however, defended its actions, saying the removals are in line with municipal bylaws.

In recent weeks, the City has intensified its campaign to clean up the inner city and restore it to its former glory.

Operation Dudula’s Zanele Maseko expressed support for the City’s enforcement of bylaws, saying trading should be reserved for those who are licensed.

“You can’t leave Zimbabwe to come sell cabbage on the pavements in South Africa,” Maseko said. “We are advocating that the City’s funds be used to clean the city and support licensed traders.”

Various political parties and advocacy groups demonstrated outside the Johannesburg High Court, awaiting the outcome of the matter.

However, Judge Brad Wanless postponed the urgent application to Monday, saying he needed more time to remove the matter from the urgent roll to allow for proper mediation.

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