By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The City of Tshwane has issued the first batch of trading permits to 77 compliant applicants under its new Informal Trading and Township Economies By-Law, which came into effect in 2026.
The city said on Tuesday the permits marked the first phase of implementing the by-law, with Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya handing over the licences to successful applicants.
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Moya said Tshwane is the first municipality in South Africa to reserve informal trading opportunities for South African citizens under its by-law.
She was joined at the handover by MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning Sarah Mabotsa, MMC for Human Settlements Aaron Maluleka and MMC for Health Tshegofatso Mashabela.
Mabotsa said the pilot phase expanded recognition of the informal economy beyond street traders to include a broader range of informal businesses.
“Permits will be provided to traders who are undertaking approved, compliant trading activities within designated trading spaces or in compliant locations,” Mabotsa said.
“Car washes, for example, require specific areas so that roads are not damaged or flooded.”
She said the city opened applications in Olievenhoutbosch after visits by Moya and herself in April 2026. Residents were invited to register for business and informal trading licences at the Olievenhoutbosch Community Hall, where they submitted identity documents and proof of residence.
To qualify for a permit, applicants had to attend a free compliance training workshop, be local residents and, under the new by-law, be South African citizens.
Mabotsa said more than 1,600 people expressed interest in applying for business or trading licences, while 533 attended the mandatory compliance workshops.
Of those, 77 applicants met the compliance requirements and received trading permits. Three operate businesses selling non-perishable goods, while 74 trade in perishable products.
“Many of the traders sell fruit and vegetables purchased in bulk at the Tshwane Market to local residents from their stalls,” Mabotsa said.
She said the city would continue issuing permits in phases across the metro following the pilot programme.
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Mabotsa said Tshwane also plans to develop more formalised trading facilities on city-owned properties to support informal businesses.
She said the informal sector and township economy remained one of the city’s 11 priority economic sectors identified for targeted support.
“The Tshwane Economic Revitalisation Strategy, adopted by council in April 2025, aims to accelerate economic growth to at least 3.9%, attract between R17 billion and R26 billion in new investment, and create at least 80,000 jobs by 2029,” she said.
Mabotsa said the new by-law was intended to create an enabling environment for investment, business growth and job creation.
“We are creating an enabling environment where investment can thrive, businesses can grow, and there are more job opportunities for our residents,” she said.
“Tshwane is rising, and we are determined to ensure that our approach to economic growth is inclusive so that we rise together.”
