The eThekwini municipality has reminded business owners to renew their business licenses before the renewal period closes at the end of January.
eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda emphasised the importance of this annual process.
“All businesses operating in eThekwini Municipality are reminded to renew their operating licences to continue conducting business for the new year,” said Mr Kaunda.
He said the renewal season starts on December 1 each year, incurring no cost for the initial application, and businesses have until the last day of January to complete the renewal process.
This call for renewal is grounded in the Business Act 71 of 1991, specifically Section 15 of Business Regulations. The act mandates that every licence holder must annually confirm the continued operation of the business from the specified premises, ensuring that no other unlicensed business is conducted on the same premises.
Mr Kaunda also stressed that trading without a licence was a criminal offence, urging businesses operating illegally to apply for the necessary permits. The fee for licences varies, with food and accommodation establishments requiring a fee of R574, while an entertainment venue licence costs R2 842. These fees covered a one-time payment for a licence valid as long as the business remains operational.
To streamline the renewal process, businesses can renew their licences through the online Business Portal available under E-services on the municipality’s official website, www.durban.gov.za
Alternatively, business owners can visit their nearest Business Licensing offices, where they initially applied for their trading licences. The municipality encourages proactive compliance to avoid any disruptions to business operations due to lapsed licences.
