City Clears Decades-Old Illegal Structures at Mabopane Station in Major "Re A Spana" Blitz, Vows to Formalise Trading

MABOPANE – In a significant move to reclaim public space and revitalise the local economy, the City's administration, led by the Executive Mayor, conducted a large-scale operation to remove illegally built structures at the Mabopane Station on Friday, 3 October 2025.

The operation, part of the broader Re A Spana accelerated service delivery programme, targeted shacks and trading stalls that have encroached on the station area since the early 1990s, with some identified as hubs for illicit activities like drug sales.

READ: Memories in Rubble: Tshwane Marabastad Building Demolished, 300 Residents and Entrepreneurs Affected |

A Dual Mission: Enforcement and Economic Inclusion

The demolition of the structures was not an end in itself, but a crucial step in a larger plan to formalise trading in the area. City officials were careful to distinguish between the illegal structures and the legitimate economic activity of the vendors who occupied them.

"We did this with a purpose of formalising trading in this area," a city representative stated. "The traders who had occupied these structures will be moved to safe, clean and secure trading stalls inside the Mabopane Station."

Emphasising a commitment to inclusive economic development, the official added, "The City doesn’t view informal traders as a threat, but we believe they are a legitimate part of our economic activity. We want to formalise their activities."

A Collaborative Drive with Community Leaders

The high-impact operation saw collaboration from key political figures, demonstrating a unified governmental approach. The initiative was supported by MMC for Region 1, Aaron Maluleka, MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, Cllr Sara Mabotsa, and the local Ward Councillor, Moses Mathibedi.

Their presence underscored the city's commitment to engaging directly with the community. "We spoke to the traders during our service delivery drive in Mabopane," officials confirmed, aiming to reassure affected vendors that the city's goal is to support, not suppress, their livelihoods.

Addressing a Long-Standing Challenge

The removal of structures that have been in place for over three decades marks a pivotal moment for the Mabopane community. For years, these illegal installations have contributed to congestion, safety concerns, and informal economic activity that operates outside of city bylaws and protections.

"Our decision to demolish illegal structures doesn’t mean we don’t want vendors to earn a living," the city affirmed. "We have a plan about how we will help traders in Mabopane."

READ: Tshwane Metro Police Arrest 44 and Tear Down 95 Illegal Structures at Mabopane Station |

The Re A Spana programme, which combines clean-up efforts, service delivery interventions, and by-law enforcement, provided the perfect platform for this complex operation, signalling a new chapter for Mabopane Station as a safer, more organised, and economically vibrant community hub.