23-07-2025
Swazi Inn gets a new, clean look
The long-awaited public environment upgrade of Swazi Inn in Ward 133 has officially been launched on July 22, marking a major step toward cleaner, safer, and more business-friendly public spaces in the area.
The initiative, driven by the City of Johannesburg's Economic Development Department, aims to transform the precinct into a healthier, more accessible hub for both residents and traders.
The upgrade includes the installation of pavements, boundary fencing, and additional infrastructure to support the needs of informal and formal businesses operating in the area.
The launch was officiated by Ward 133 councillor Tebogo Marumo, who stood in for MMC for Economic Development, Nomoya Mnisi. Marumo emphasised the project's importance in revitalising the Swazi Inn node and creating a more dignified trading environment.
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'This area is significant to us as it caters for local businesses, particularly Swazi Inn hawkers,' said Cllr Marumo. 'It makes sense that the area is clean because people who buy fruits and vegetables should be comforted that they are buying from a clean area. We are encouraging residents, particularly in Sakhile Section, Alfred Nzo Section, and nearby Tembisa, to help maintain this space. This is not a dumping site,' said Marumo.
According to Khomotjo Mathole, the acting director of Integrated Regional Economic Development, the intervention was prompted by requests from officials and residents in Region A.
'It was in a state that is not pleasing. It was very unclean and very unhealthy, considering that there are traders, informal traders, in and around this area, and also local businesses,' said Mathole. 'You have the likes of Pick'n Pay that are housed in Swazi Inn. So this place used to be very, very dirty. You can imagine when it rains, it would be so muddy and so stinky and so smelly.'
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With the upgrades completed, the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC), Pikitup, and the city's Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) department will now be responsible for ongoing maintenance.
Local traders have already begun to see the benefits. Matshidiso Koma, a fruit and vegetable vendor at Swazi Inn, expressed her appreciation for the improvements.
'We are very happy because the municipality helped us with new dustbins,' she said. 'Before, it was difficult to sell food in such dirty conditions. Now the area is clean and more appealing to customers. It feels like a proper place to do business.'
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