A growing number of informal traders have now entered the Tshwane Metro’s formal registration system.

So far, over 1 500 applications have been submitted by those operating in and around Mabopane Station, as the metro moves ahead with its plan to regulate and relocate businesses affected by recent demolitions.

The figure reflects a significant shift toward compliance following the city’s crackdown on illegal structures at the station in October.

MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, Sarah Mabotsa, confirmed that every trader operating in the precinct is required to be registered, especially because Mabopane Station is classified as a restricted trading area.

She told Rekord that the 1 556 applications that have been received by the department show strong engagement from traders and form part of the verification and allocation process currently underway.

Mabotsa said the city is allocating spaces only to traders who meet the requirements for trading legally and within the restrictions that apply to the area.

“The erection of structures not approved by the municipality is not permitted. The city is currently verifying applications and allocating spaces to traders who meet the criteria for operating legally in the precinct,” she said.

She explained that the formal trading stalls designated for the traders are located inside both taxi facilities at the station.

She said allocations follow the department’s informal trader permit application system, which requires applicants to attend a free workshop before applying for a trading permit if they do not already have one.

“The entire process is expected to be completed by the end of December. The city has not experienced delays and continues to meet regularly with traders through biweekly forum meetings.

“An interdepartmental task team has also been established to assist with permitting and licensing to ensure the process remains co-ordinated,” she added.

She said the city aims to create an environment that enables businesses and traders by offering free workshops to help them complete the required applications and approvals, and receive the certificates needed to trade legally.

Mabotsa emphasised that everybody operating a business in Pretoria must comply with relevant legislation and municipal by-laws, which was also reinforced by a recent High Court ruling.

“Judge van der Schyff ordered all traders and occupants at the Marabastad market to submit any and all required applications to the city to ensure compliance with legislation, by-laws, and policies,” she explained.

She also highlighted the training programme for cellphone repair offered by the municipality in partnership with the South African Mobile Devices Distributors and Repairers Association.

The programme is being rolled out at the Mabopane Station precinct and is aimed at equipping traders, especially young people, women, and people with disabilities, with skills to repair and maintain cellphones so they can grow their income and become entrepreneurs.

This development follows the enforcement operation on October 3 when the metro demolished 65 illegal structures along the M17 and around the Mabopane Station precinct as part of the Tshwane Re A Spana service delivery campaign.

At the time, MMC for Human Settlements Alderman Aaron Maluleka said the structures were removed in line with municipal by-laws and that many of the informal stalls, some dating back to 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.

During the operation, the TMPD arrested two people for possession of drugs and 15 undocumented immigrants.

Maluleka said officials also visited Block CV to assess service delivery challenges, which were referred to the relevant departments.

He said the coalition government intended to assist affected small business owners by relocating them to permanent, formalised trading stalls and encouraged them to remain patient as the city works toward long-term solutions that support economic growth.

Tshwane Mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya, also explained at the time that the demolition formed part of a broader effort to formalise trading around Mabopane Station.

She said traders would be relocated to safe, clean and secure stalls inside the precinct.

“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.”

Moya stressed that the intention was not to harm livelihoods but to restore order and ensure legal and fair trading.

She said the city also plans to reclaim stalls that were illegally sublet to foreigners and individuals involved in crime.

Addressing traders during her engagement, she said the city wants to understand the nature of their businesses so it can assist with proper registration and allocation.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

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