On 18 September, a hawker operating at the corner of Wimbledon and Starling Streets in Lenasia South was approached by City of Johannesburg Environmental Health Officers regarding compliance with municipal street trading regulations. The hawker initially refused to cooperate, prompting intervention from the JMPD and local CPF.
Gabisile Mbhele from COJ Environmental Health explained:
“We visited the trader because of a complaint and to ensure compliance with the law. Our role is not to target anyone but to protect public health and urban order. Residents need to understand why we visit premises and the legislation we enforce.”
Johannesburg’s Street Trading By-laws (2009) regulate hawking by requiring traders to operate only in designated areas, obtain valid permits, maintain sanitation standards, and ensure food safety. Food hawkers must follow municipal health regulations under Regulation R638 of 2018 and the National Health Act 61 of 2003. Non-compliance can result in fines, closure, or seizure of goods.
Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) monitor hygiene, inspect food safety, and educate traders to prevent outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and food poisoning. Non-enforcement of by-laws can lead to blocked sidewalks, traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and unfair competition for formal businesses.
Mbhele emphasized: “Our goal is to educate both traders and the public about their rights and responsibilities. Enforcement ensures lawful economic activity while protecting residents’ health and the city’s urban environment.”
Residents are encouraged to support safe and legal street traders and to understand that municipal interventions aim to balance economic opportunity, urban order and public safety.
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