NEGLECTED STALLS AT KOPANONG CENTRE RAISE CONCERNS

The City of Johannesburg has raised serious concerns about the current condition of the 42 trading stalls located near Kopanong Centre in Ward 77, Ivory Park.

Once meant to support local small businesses and boost the township economy, the area has now become a hotspot for crime, drug abuse, and public health risks.

According to a statement released by the City’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Economic Development, Cllr Nomoya D Mnisi, the stalls have been vandalized and are no longer being used for their intended purpose. Many are now being used as:

Makeshift shelters for drug users
Informal dumping sites
Improvised toilets due to lack of functioning restrooms

Tragically, a man battling drug addiction who had escaped from a hospital was found dead at the site last Friday.

The surrounding community has expressed frustration over the continued neglect of the area. What was meant to uplift local businesses has now turned into a serious social crisis.

In response, the MMC’s office will work with local councillors, law enforcement, JPC, and other departments to urgently assess the site and decide whether to fix, close, or repurpose the facility. The city says it’s committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of all its residents.

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