The City of Johannesburg has noted with concern a planned march by informal traders operating in the inner city, particularly within the City Improvement District. This follows a letter from certain trader representatives alleging harassment by officials and calling for the re-marking of trading bays, the issuance of permits to compliant traders, and for the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) to stop removing traders who assert that they are operating legally.

The City has assessed these claims and maintains that the consistent enforcement of by-laws throughout the inner city has been both necessary and appropriate to restore order, cleanliness, safety, and long-term economic stability. In recent months, these efforts have led to measurable improvements, despite attempts by certain external parties to sow confusion and division among traders for their own interests.