Johannesburg backs down on contested private CCTV by-law after court challenges

The City of Johannesburg moved to repeal its contested private CCTV by-law after court challenges from property body Sapoa, AfriForum and Outa, Moneyweb reported in August 2025.

The by-law, adopted in February 2025, required registration of privately owned cameras overlooking public spaces, annual renewal of approval, inspections by city officials and application fees. It restricted sharing of footage to SAPS or JMPD officers only - alarming private camera network operators.

Outa filed in the Johannesburg High Court on 18 June, and on 14 August 2025 the city's attorneys notified challengers that the municipality intended repealing the by-law at its council meeting at the end of August 2025.

Sapoa's unopposed court hearing was scheduled for 9 September 2025; Sapoa and Outa said they would only withdraw once the by-law is formally repealed and legal costs are paid. Sapoa CEO Neil Gopal argued the by-law was not adopted in accordance with constitutional and legislated procedural requirements.

Camera network operator Vumacam publicly warned the by-law imposed excessive restrictions on security operations.

"Affected parties would have incurred astronomical costs if they proceeded to oppose," said Outa advocate Stefanie Fick.

Source: Moneyweb, 15 August 2025 - moneyweb.co.za (background: techcentral.co.za)