City hosts imbizo in support of township businesses

The City of Ekurhuleni, in collaboration with the Gauteng Provincial Government, held the Township Commercial Property Owners’ Imbizo on December 5. The event, part of the Qondis’ Ishishini Lakho – Fix Your Business campaign, aimed to assist local businesses in complying with essential regulations to boost economic activity in Gauteng townships.

Addressing attendees, MMC for Developmental Planning and Real Estate, Ald Nomadlozi Nkosi emphasized the city’s commitment to simplifying compliance processes for businesses.

“Our offices have streamlined the processes to make compliance easier for businesses. We invite businesses, including informal traders, to come forward so we can assist them in meeting necessary regulations,” Nkosi said.

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The imbizo provided property and business owners with guidance on several key areas, including:
• Business registration processes.
• Importance of obtaining a Certificate of Acceptability and health and safety compliance.
• Zoning laws affecting business operations.
• Ensuring compliance with building regulations.

“This imbizo is part of a series aimed at fostering a supportive environment for township businesses, promoting compliance, and enhancing economic vitality,” Nkosi added.

The city urged business and property owners to visit their nearest Customer Care Centres (CCC) for further assistance.

The registration drive for spaza shops and food-handling businesses remains ongoing, with business owners required to submit completed applications before the closing date.

Applications can be submitted at designated CCCs during business hours (08:00–16:30, Monday to Friday).

Qualified businesses will receive licenses in line with the Business Act, 1991, (Act 71 of 1991).

Registration Requirements for Spaza Shops and Food Businesses

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To register, business owners must meet the following minimum requirements:
• Completed business license application form.
• Appropriate zoning certificate or written consent approval.
• Certificate of Acceptability for health standards.
• Approved building plan and occupancy certificate.
• Certified title deed or landlord’s letter (if rented).
• Identity document (for South Africans).
• Work permit or Department of Home Affairs letter (for non-South Africans).
• CIPC business registration.
• Latest municipal account statement for the business address.
• SARS tax clearance certificate.
Registration Centres:
• Germiston Civic Centre: 78C President Street, Ground Floor.
• Edenvale Civic Centre: Ground Floor, Van Riebeeck and Hendrik Potgieter Streets.
• Katlehong 1 Civic Centre: Ground Floor, 2098 Masakhane Street, Katlehong.
• Katlehong 2 Civic Centre: 335 Sontonga Street, Katlehong.
The city encourages business owners to take advantage of this initiative to ensure compliance and contribute to the thriving township economy.