Joburg informal traders to march on Braam Park over alleged harassment, permit delays

By Lebone Rodah Mosima

Scores of informal traders in the City of Joburg are expected to march to Braam Park on Thursday to protest what they describe as harassment and ill-treatment by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department and municipal authorities. The traders, who operate legally within the Inner City Improvement District, are demanding the re-marking of trading stands and the issuing of permits.

They are calling on Joburg mayor Dada Morero and city manager Floyd Brink to take immediate action.

The Johannesburg Informal Traders Development Powerhouse (JOWEDET) says it is lodging a petition against the alleged ill-treatment and harassment of informal traders operating in designated spaces.

JOWEDET president Lulama Mali said the march will take place on 19 February 2026 through the inner city improvement districts, starting at 09:00 at Library Gardens Square before proceeding to Braam Park.

Mali said the petition represents traders who have operated for years in