TZANEEN – Business and shop owners in Tzaneen are up in arms over the requirement to apply for business licences, saying the process and costs are adding pressure to already struggling businesses.

The frustration among local business owners comes as the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) is enforcing compliance with business licensing requirements.

Business owners have raised concerns about what they describe as an onerous application process, which requires them to submit several documents and pay fees before their businesses can be licensed.

Municipality says requirement is not new

However, the municipality says the licensing requirement is not new and that businesses are legally required to comply.

GTM spokesperson Vutivi Makhubele said business owners must obtain licences under the Limpopo Business Registration Act No. 5 of 2003 and/or sections 18 and 21 of the Municipal Systems Act of 2000.

She said registration and licensing were ongoing as part of efforts to ensure businesses operate legally and communities are protected.

Directive follows spaza shop safety concerns

The process follows a national directive from President Cyril Ramaphosa for spaza shops and other businesses to register with their local municipalities, following concerns about foodborne illnesses and health and safety.

“The initial closing date was November 2024,” Makhubele said, adding that compliance remained the responsibility of business owners.

What applicants must submit

Applicants must submit a completed application form, pay a non-refundable R200 fee, and provide proof of payment, residence, business address and land-use rights.

Makhubele said the GTM and Mopani District Municipality had conducted awareness campaigns about the requirements.

The municipality maintains that businesses cannot operate outside the applicable legal framework and that owners are responsible for ensuring they are properly licensed.