EThekwini Business License Annual

IT IS that time of the year when all businesses operating in eThekwini Municipality are reminded and encouraged to renew their operating licenses. 

Businesses have until 31 January 2024 to renew their operating licenses to continue conducting business for the new year. 

The renewal season commences annually on 1 December at no cost and businesses are given until the last day of January the following year. 

This business compliance process is championed by the Municipality's Business Licensing Department which is under the Business Support, Tourism, Markets and Agri-Business Unit. 

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said the renewal is free of charge but mandatory for businesses to continue operating. 

''Renewal is a statutory requirement and ensures compliance as well as proper management of businesses. 

The business licenses that need to be renewed are within the sectors of Food Establishments (ITEM 1) and Health or Entertainment Facilities (ITEM 2),'' said Mayor Kaunda. 

Businesses can renew licenses from the comfort of their own home via the online Business Licensing Portal under e-Services on the Municipality's website: 

www.durban.gov.za 

Alternatively, they can visit their nearest Business Licensing Offices, where they initially applied for the trading license. 

This process is conducted annually and is very critical under Section 15 of the Businesses Regulations in terms of the Business Act 71 of 1991. 

The Act requires that every license holder must every year confirm that the business for which the license was issued for is continuing to be conducted from the premises specified in the license. 

And that no other business for which a license is required in terms of the Act is being conducted from the same licensed premises. 

Industries and traders are urged to start the renewal process while there is still time because after the deadline of 31 January 2024, License Inspectors with other law enforcement agencies will be conducting random inspections of all businesses that did not renew to enforce compliance. 

For more information, kindly contact 031 311 4535 or email: licensing@durban.gov.za or contact your nearest regional office. 

Mayor Kaunda also encouraged businesses that are trading illegally to apply for licenses as it is a criminal act to trade without one. 

For food and accommodation establishments, a license is only R574, while a license for running an entertainment venue is R2 842. You only pay once for a license that is valid for as long as the business is operational. 

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO SUCCESSFULLY RENEW THE LICENSE ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Original license 
2. Certified copy of the license holder's Identity Document
3. Proxy letter (if the applicant for renewal is not the license holder)
4. South African Police Service fingerprints clearance with ''No illicit activity identified'' (For all persons in effective control of the business for health facilities or entertainment businesses). NB: This applies to ITEM 2 license holders only
5. Close corporation or company documents (if the license holder is a CC or PTY LTD). 
6. The annual notification form can be downloaded from the Business Licensing webpage or collected at licensing offices. The form can also be completed via the online portal. 

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City's smart Meter rollout lauded 

THE NATIONAL Electricity Ministry has commended eThekwini Municipality for its progress on its smart meter rollout as part of efforts to combat load shedding.

The City has installed almost 130 000 smart meters since the programme was launched. 

The Ministry believes that the smart metering programme will contribute towards the reduction of the strain on the electricity grid, thereby mitigating the effects of load shedding on residents and businesses. 

During the recent 3rd National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) Demand Side Management Indaba at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Silas Zimu, advisor to the Minister of Electricity, highlighted the pressing issue of load shedding and the need for effective demand side management solutions.

Zimu praised the City for work done on its smart metering initiative, stating how smart meters will play a crucial role in reducing the demand for electricity.

''I see the great work that has been done by eThekwini Municipality with its smart meter rollout.

We need to reduce load and smart meters will help us achieve this,'' said Zimu. 

He urged municipalities to explore the implementation of rooftop solar panels and the introduction of roof surcharges. 

The three-day Indaba was hosted by eThekwini Municipality in collaboration with NECOM and Eskom. 

It brought together key stakeholders to discuss challenges faced by the country due to load shedding and explore strategies.