Local traders in Bellville and Mitchells Plain have alleged that corruption is blocking their access to Cape Town informal trading permits.

They claim that some applicants secure permits by paying officials, while their own applications remain unsuccessful. However, no evidence confirming the allegations has been made public.

Traders Allege Unfair Permit Access

A trader at the Bellville bus terminus told Daily Voice that she had struggled for years to obtain a permit after losing her job in 2020.

She alleged that some foreign applicants received quicker approval after bribing City officials. The publication did not identify any accused official or provide records supporting the claim.

A Mitchells Plain Town Centre business owner raised similar concerns. He alleged that some businesses operated without the required documents and that officials accepted payments from traders.

Again, the claims remain unproven. The report did not indicate whether either trader had opened a formal corruption case.

City Outlines Official Permit Process

City guidance states that anyone selling goods in regulated public spaces must hold a valid permit for an allocated trading bay. Available bays are advertised through the City’s e-Services platform.

Applicants must submit a certified identity document, proof of address, an affidavit confirming unemployment and an identity-sized photograph.

Foreign nationals must also provide certified proof that they may legally live and work in South Africa. The City issues only one informal trading permit per household.

The City’s April 2026 Bellville CBD bulletin said its approved informal trading plan created 90 new bays at the Middestad Market. However, this does not confirm whether those bays remain available.

City Urges Residents To Submit Evidence

Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth James Vos said bribery allegations were taken seriously. However, he said claims “must be supported by evidence” before officials can investigate them.

Vos said the City could take disciplinary, criminal or other action when evidence confirms misconduct.

Residents can report suspected corruption through the City’s 24-hour toll-free hotline on 0800 32 31 30. Reports should include the incident details, the people involved, and the relevant date and time.

At this stage, the allegations involving Cape Town informal trading permits remain unverified. Neither the news report nor the official sources reviewed confirmed that the City had opened an investigation.