MEC provides clarity on the type of business permitted to operate and goods allowed to be sold during lockdown

Finance, economic development and tourism MEC, Pat Ngomane, has provided clarity on the type of business permitted to operate and the type of goods and services allowed to be sold during the national lockdown.

Dr Mohau Ramodibe, the director of communication at the department, said, “Some confusion exists, especially from the informal sector, regarding what type of businesses are allowed to operate during the national lockdown period.”

“This follows concern by hawkers, spaza and local shop owners, especially in Mpumalanga’s townships and rural areas, as they raised their concern, saying that the police do not allow them to operative, even though they sell essential goods,” said Ramodibe.

“According to item 11(B)(1)(b) of the promulgated regulations under the Disaster Management Act, aimed at addressing, preventing and combatting the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus, all businesses and other entities shall cease operations during the lockdown, save for any business or entity involved in the manufacturing, supply, or provision of an essential good or service,” said Ngomane.

“I must clarify that even though a business sells goods classified as essential or provides services classified as essential, it must, however, possess a valid business operating permit or trading license issued by their respective municipality. Informal businesses, like spaza shops and hawkers, require a business operating permit issued by their local municipality, and formal businesses, like supermarkets, must have a business license also obtained from their local municipality to operate. This is non-negotiable; it is what the legislation dictates.”

Ngomane said they unfortunately cannot therefore allow any business to operate without such documentation.

“Food and goods classified as essential items are, among others: toilet paper, hand sanitiser, facial masks, disinfectant cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, baby formula, disposable nappies, bleach, cooking oils, wheat flour, rice, maize meal, sugar, milk, canned and frozen vegetables, meat, chicken, fish and bottled water.”

Ngomane said, “It should be noted that all businesses permitted and licensed to sell essential goods and services during the lockdown period, are, however, prohibited from selling any other goods.”

“Those who are duly permitted and licensed to operate during the lockdown period, must in addition, provide hand sanitisers at the door for their customers. They must further ensure there is enough space in their premises, to allow for at least one square metre for each customer, in order to facilitate social distancing. This means that if the space within their business premises is too small, the provision of a maximum of 50 customers at one time, would not apply to them. This is purely done to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, and to protect the lives of our people”, he explained.

“The sale of liquor, as well as gambling and betting activities, are strictly prohibited during this period. To this end, the police continues to monitor and ensure compliance to the regulations. Furthermore, all casinos and other gambling and betting places in the province have duly complied.”

“I must stress that hawkers and spaza shops, without valid business operating permits, operating in our townships and rural areas, are already illegal, and will unfortunately not be allowed to operate during this period.”

Ngomane added that businesses are also advised that price gouging is illegal.