The City of Joburg Department of Economic Development, through the Isiqalo Opportunity Centre, on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, hosted a compliance and regulatory workshop for agro-processing, informal businesses and small-scale farmers in the City.
The workshop took place at the Roodepoort City Hall. It was held in partnership with the Development Planning, Land Use Management Unit and City of Joburg Environmental Health Services, among other municipal stakeholders.
The purpose of the session was to highlight the importance of compliance with the City by-laws, particularly for businesses operating from residential or retail properties. Participants were guided on the relevant application processes and on where to obtain support from the City.
Indira Pilipovic, a City Town Planner, said it was essential for business owners to ensure that the correct land-use and business rights are in place before commencing operations. She said failure to obtain appropriate approvals may result in contravention of municipal by-laws related to land use and business activities on residential properties.
She further advised entrepreneurs to consult officials from the Town Planning and Land Use Management sections to obtain accurate guidance for their existing businesses to avoid unnecessary penalties. Non-compliance, she noted, may lead to penalties imposed through rates and taxes, or legal action in municipal court if transgressions persist.
She cautioned that operating without the required approvals exposes business owners to legal risks and potential financial loss. Certain land uses, she explained, are not compatible with surrounding areas and may negatively affect social amenities and property values.
Environmental Health Practitioner Kopano Tlholoe briefed attendees on the process of obtaining a Certificate of Acceptability (CoA) for food-handling businesses. She said the application process has a short turnaround time of less than one week, provided that all required documentation from the relevant departments has been approved.
She also clarified that the CoA is non-transferable between business owners and becomes invalid if a business relocates, changes its trading type, or expands its operations.
Zola Mnisi, an informal business owner, raised a concern regarding rodent infestations around many business premises in the townships. Officials said assistance is provided for infestations in communal and public spaces, particularly where illegal dumping keeps recurring. The office contact details were shared for reporting such cases.
Jesias Serongwane from the Environmental Health Business Licence Unit outlined that penalties for non-compliance start at a fine of R2 500 or may result in up to three months’ imprisonment. He said business licences were non-transferable and would lapse if a business relocated, changed the nature of its operations, or made structural or operational additions.
Applications for both Certificates of Acceptability and business licences can be submitted at the Roodepoort Civic Centre in Florida North, Roodepoort municipal offices. Municipal Development Planning offices are situated at 100 Carr Street, Newtown Junction Mall, Nedbank Building, ground floor.
Written by Thembelihle Radebe