22 February 2010
Media Statement

Informal traders at Soccer city receive verbal eviction

The 12 informal traders selling fast food to the construction workers at Soccer City stadium were yesterday left distraught after being given verbal eviction notice to vacate their trading sites by the end of this weekend (28th February 2010).

The representatives who identified themselves as officials from the City of Johannesburg (2010 Directorate) convened an urgent meeting with the informal traders inside the Soccer City stadium yesterday to convey the verbal eviction notice. No explanation was given for the eviction to the traders, whom most started trading in the site since 2006 when the upgrade of Soccer City stadium began. Most of the informal traders at Soccer City are still coming to terms with an abrupt decision to force them to shut down their businesses, which are their own means of livelihood. The city of Johannesburg has neither showed any mercy by allocating an alternative trading space for these despondent traders, whom many are breadwinners in their families.

This harsh action taken by the city of Johannesburg is a vindication that the city is moving at an increased speed to attain its goal to display an esteemed world-class golden city during the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. Furthermore, this action does not reflect the recent enthralling headlines news in the mainstream media that affirm that: “Informal traders would score big and benefit in the Soccer World Cup”. Without doubt, the move taken by the City of Johannesburg also seem to contradict with Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan’s recent Budget Speech which promised creation of jobs as a solution to moderating the effects of recession amongst the most vulnerable.

For more information on this story, feel free to contact one of the informal traders at Soccer City: Ms Cecilia Dube – 078 722 0626