Street vendors operating in Johannesburg’s CBD have received smart card trading permits from the municipality.
The City of said mayor Dada Morero and Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Economic Development, Nomoya Mnisi, handed over the new smart card permits on Friday.
The city described the initiative as a “groundbreaking milestone” in its efforts to formalise and regulate informal trading.
SUPPORTING THE INFORMAL ECONOMY
“The introduction of the new smart card permit system demonstrates the City’s commitment to promoting order, transparency and inclusion in the economic ecosystem,” the city said in a statement.
Registrations for the smart cards began earlier this month, targeting traders working in markets, transport facilities and demarcated trading areas.
Mnisi said the first smart card permits are free, but renewals and replacements will be done at a cost.
Traders with valid permits will also pay rent for their stalls to the city.
The city said applicants must produce ID documents, passports or asylum seeker permits for consideration.
Registrations for the smart cards began earlier this month, targeting traders working in markets, transport facilities and demarcated trading areas.
Mnisi said the initiative demonstrates the city’s commitment to uplifting street vendors and support the informal economy sector.
“Informal trading plays a vital role in sustaining livelihoods and driving local economic activity,” Mnisi said.
“This initiative reaffirms the city’s commitment to supporting and regulating the informal economy sector.”
