ETHEKWINI Municipality has announced that over 4 600 spaza shop owners have successfully registered their businesses in eThekwini. This follows national government’s extension of the registration deadline to February 28.
Also read: Spaza shop blitz results in closure of businesses in Wentworth
According to the municipality, since registration began in November last year, 250 of the registered businesses have completed all the necessary steps, including the mandatory 21-day waiting period, and have now received their official business licences.
“This process involves submitting all required departmental documents, passing inspections by Environmental Health Practitioners and Safety and Fire Officers, and meeting other compliance checks.
“For foreign nationals, proof of a valid work permit was also verified with the Department of Home Affairs,” the municipality said in a statement.
The registration blitz is aligned with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive to have all the tuckshops registered. The registration is also part of the municipality’s ongoing efforts to support local businesses.
Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Cyril Xaba, expressed satisfaction with the turnout, calling it an encouraging sign of the sector’s commitment to working with the municipality to ensure compliance and safety.
Also read: eThekwini Municipality urges businesses to renew trading licences
“This shows that spaza shop owners are committed to partnering with eThekwini Municipality to promote safer communities. We urge all spaza shop owners to continue registering, as it will help improve compliance standards, reduce health and safety risks, and unlock potential development opportunities,” said Xaba.
The municipality has scheduled a series of business information sharing workshops in February across multiple wards. These workshops will provide detailed information on all things business licensing and offer on-site registration assistance.
Xaba issued a stern warning to those who believe they can avoid registering their spaza shop.
“We will not tolerate non-compliance. In the last quarter of 2024, we issued 457 notices to businesses that failed to comply. These businesses now face the risk of prosecution and possible shutdown by law enforcement, including the South African Police Services and the Metro Police. In extreme cases, businesses found to pose an immediate danger to public health are closed by the Environmental Health Unit,” he said.
The municipality is also in the process of uploading the names of legally registered spaza shops to its website, which will increase transparency and accountability within the sector.
Spaza shop owners are encouraged to visit their local regional licensing office or attend one of the upcoming workshops for further information and to complete their registration.
For more details, refer to the social card listing the addresses of all the eThekwini Municipality Business Licensing Regional Offices.
EThekwini Municipality has provided the following guidelines on the importance of having a business licence:
What will happen if I don’t renew my business licence?
The owner of the business will be prosecuted by the licence inspector and other law enforcement agencies.
How much does it cost to renew a business licence?
The renewal of a business licence is free.
What is a business licence?
A business licence is a legal document that gives permission to the business to trade in accordance with the type of business they are running. This document also confirms that the business is legal and compliant in terms of the Businesses Act 71 of 1991.
Why do I need a business licence?
It is a statutory requirement, the Businesses Act, 1991 (Act No. 71 of 1991) provides that no person may conduct a business without a business licence. It is important for the public to comply with this legislation so that measures are in place to safeguard both the business owner and consumers. The licensing process requires approval from Land Use Management, Environmental, Health, Fire and Emergency services, Building Department and Metro police.
How to get a business licence?
You can apply online on Business Licensing eServices webpage or you can complete the application forms and submit them personally at the business licensing office closer to your business. The municipality sends reports to Town Planning and the Building Department for approval as a pre-requisite. Once they get approvals from the aforementioned departments, applicants can then lodge an application and pay the prescribed fee and be given 21 days to comply with Fire and Emergency Services and Health Department requirements. Licences are granted when they comply with all other departmental requirements.
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How long does a business licence last for?
Business licences are valid for as long as the business is in operation, and it is still compliant with relevant legislations and by-laws. It is renewable once a year by the end of January. It will get cancelled when a licence holder vacates the premises or when the business changes hands.
What are the different types of business licences?
Under Businesses Act 71 of 1991, Item 1 is food businesses, Item 2 is health facilities, entertainment, and accommodation establishment certificates in terms of the Businesses Act 71 of 1991.
How much is the application for a new business licence?
- R574 for food businesses
- R2842 for health and entertainment businesses
- R574 for accommodation certificates
- R287 for emerging businesses (Spaza shops)
Where are eThekwini Municipality’s business licensing offices?
The offices are located in different regions as per the addresses below:
- 7th Floor Embassy Building, 199 Anton Lembede Street, Durban
- Sizakala Centre Winklespruit, 11 Grace Dale Road, Winklespruit
- Sizakala Centre Pinetown Civic Centre, 60 Kings Road, Pinetown
- Sizakala Centre Verulam, Ground Floor, 151 Wick Street, Verulam
- Sizakala Centre Midway Mall, Newlands West
What is the role of eThekwini Municipality’s business licensing office?
- Provide the efficient licensing and administration function for business licence applications, for food businesses, entertainment and health facility and accommodation establishments.
- Monitoring and enforcing compliance of the businesses with the provisions of the Businesses Act and Accommodation Establishment By-law.
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