The metro has promised to formalise trading operations and relocate informal traders to permanent stalls at Mabopane Station.

This follows the recent demolition of illegal structures along the M17 and station surroundings as part of its ongoing Tshwane Re A Spana service delivery campaign on October 3.

During the campaign, MMC for Human Settlements Alderman Aaron Maluleka said 65 illegal structures were removed in accordance with municipal by-law regulations.

He explained that many of these informal stalls, some of which had been built as far back as the early 1990s, were allegedly being used as drug dens and for illegal businesses.

“The area has great economic potential for the community and municipality if criminal elements are uprooted,” said Maluleka.

Thobela: we engaged with Mabopane station Traderd and taxi operators around the plans we have for the area as part of our cleaning the city of illegal activities like selling of drugs, non compliance, crime and a whole range of a number of other disturbing patterns.

Providing… pic.twitter.com/NBV66kWh8h

— Tlangi Mogale: CoT MMC for Roads&Transport 🇿🇦 (@tlangimich) October 7, 2025

He further explained that the TMPD arrested two people for possession of drugs and 15 undocumented immigrants during the operation.

“Officials also visited the nearby Block CV to assess service delivery challenges, which have since been referred to the relevant departments.”

Maluleka added that the coalition government intends to assist affected small business owners by providing them with alternative accommodation in permanent, formalised trading stalls.

“As the city, our door is always open to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs). We are calling on the affected parties to be patient as we work towards long-term solutions to fight crime and empower them,” he said.

He also noted that the plan will enable the city to formally register these businesses, identify their needs, and create opportunities for local economic growth.

Mayor Nasiphi Moya said the city’s recent enforcement operation is part of a broader effort to formalise trading in and around Mabopane Station.

We removed several illegal trading structures that were built around the Mabopane Station. We did this with a purpose of formalising trading in this area. The traders who had occupied these structures will be moved to safe, clean and secure trading stalls inside the Mabopane… pic.twitter.com/Z6dPRhvAd0

— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) October 3, 2025

We have a plan about how we will help traders in Mabopane. Our decision to demolish illegal structures doesn’t mean we don’t want vendors to earn a living. We spoke to the traders during our service delivery drive in Mabopane. Joined by MMC responsible for Region 1 Aaron Maluleka… https://t.co/Ldw8VFdfZe pic.twitter.com/jDmvMpggcv

— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) October 3, 2025

“We removed several illegal trading structures that were built around the station with the purpose of formalising trading in this area,” she said.

Moya explained that traders who had occupied these structures will be moved to safe, clean, and secure trading stalls inside Mabopane Station.

“The city does not view informal traders as a threat. We believe you are a legitimate part of our economic activity, and we want to formalise your businesses,” she told the traders.

She emphasised that the city’s decision to demolish the informal structures was not intended to harm traders, but rather to create a regulated environment where everyone can benefit.

“Our decision to demolish illegal structures does not mean we do not want vendors to earn a living,” she said.

The mayor was joined during the inspection by Maluleka, who is MMC for Region 1 (North-western), MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning Councillor Sara Mabotsa, and Ward Councillor Moses Mathibedi.

In a video shared on her X account during her engagement with traders at the station, Moya explained that the city’s approach aims to root out criminal elements and restore order.

Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya and MMC for Human Settlements Vladimir Aaron Maluleka conducted a service delivery inspection at Mabopane Station. The City is currently enforcing by-laws,removing informal stalls built along M17 Road and will be moved to formal structures. @maluksa pic.twitter.com/FchGy4fBLO

— Doreen Mokgolo (@Doreen_Mokgolo) October 3, 2025

Addressing the traders, Moya said the city wants to look at the businesses the traders have so they can help them register them and allocate them to proper stalls.

“We need to reclaim stalls that were illegally sublet to foreigners and to people involved in crime.”

Moya added that police had previously been called to the area following reports of drug-related activities.

“Our approach may seem harsh, but it was necessary to find a solution. We ask for your co-operation; please provide us with a list of traders we can work with.

“In a meeting with the MMC and councillors, we will outline our support plan for you. We appreciate your patience as we implement this plan.”

The operation sparked mixed reactions on X, where residents shared their thoughts on the city’s actions.

Phillix Kokwele questioned what would happen to undocumented informal traders.

“What’s going to happen with informal traders who aren’t South African and/or have no legal documents to be in the country?”

Thabo Moeng supported the operation, saying the city should prioritise removing illegal foreigners and criminal elements.

“Remove the illegal foreigners who use that area as a distribution hub for nyaope,” he said.

“If a minister of police can assist activities of drug cartels, I am not at all shocked why Rietgat police station ignored the drug peddling there right at their doorstep.”

Another user, Lesiba Keetse, urged the city to broaden its enforcement operations beyond Mabopane.

“From here, please address the many mushrooming illegal squatter camps around the city, assembly,” he said.

Other users:

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