Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has called on all small business operators in the City of Ekurhuleni to comply with municipal laws and regulations in order to protect both their businesses and the communities they serve.

The mayor’s call comes as the city intensifies its bylaw compliance and business blitz operations in Vosloorus, Palm Ridge and surrounding southern areas, targeting businesses operating outside municipal regulations.

Xhakaza encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners to seek assistance from their nearest Customer Care Centre (CCC) to ensure they understand the legal requirements for operating lawfully within the city.

“Lawlessness and disregard for municipal by-laws will not be tolerated in the City of Ekurhuleni. Every business has a responsibility to comply with building regulations, land use requirements, and public safety standards,” said Xhakaza.

As part of the ongoing compliance operation in Vosloorus, officials shut down Vosloorus Cash and Carry after discovering several bylaw infringements.

The business, owned by foreign nationals, was issued two notices regarding Building Control and Land Use violations.

Authorities also confiscated the establishment’s Business Licence and Certificate of Acceptability.

The owners have been given 28 days to comply with municipal requirements or risk facing fines and possible demolition of illegal structures.

MMC for Metro Operations and Maintenance, Alderman Nomadlozi Nkosi, addressed employees at the premises during the operation, explaining that the enforcement action was aimed at protecting workers and members of the public.

Nkosi stressed that compliance and safety remain a priority for the municipality and that businesses operating unlawfully place communities at risk.

MMC for Metro Utilities and Trading Services, Jean Sthato also participated in the multi-disciplinary bylaw enforcement operation.

He confirmed that several undocumented individuals, including some allegedly found in possession of fake documentation, were arrested during the Mayoral bylaw enforcement programme.

The operation focused on inspecting spaza shops and businesses to assess compliance with municipal bylaws, trading regulations, and health and safety standards.

Sthato said concerns over crime, illegal business operations and law enforcement challenges in Palm Ridge, Vosloorus and surrounding areas had prompted stronger intervention from the city.

“There is a growing concern from both the premier and the executive mayor regarding crime and law enforcement challenges in these communities. There is a need for stronger intervention from SAPS to help restore order and improve safety,” he said.

He further highlighted Palm Ridge as another area of concern, warning that law enforcement teams would continue with similar compliance operations there following inspections conducted in Vosloorus.

City officials said the operations are part of broader efforts to strengthen law enforcement, improve public safety, and ensure businesses operate within the municipality’s legal framework.

The city reiterated that ongoing enforcement operations across Vosloorus, Palm Ridge and other communities send a clear message that businesses operating outside the law will be held accountable.

“Our responsibility as government is to protect communities, workers and consumers by ensuring that all operations meet the legal requirements set out by the City. These operations will continue because order, compliance and safety cannot be negotiated,” the city said.