You only have until Friday 28 November to make your voice heard 
“This Could Break Us” 

 

Platinum Weekly newspaper – No matter the chaos, the government never misses a chance to introduce a shiny new bill — twisting citizens and circumstances to fit its political agendas. Meanwhile, the very services we rely on quietly drown in mismanagement, incompetence, bribes and fraud.

The government has published the Business Licensing Bill for public comment, proposing major changes to how businesses operate in the country. While early commentary has focused heavily on the impact on small businesses, it is important to note that the Bill is not limited to SMMEs — it applies to all “designated business undertakings,” regardless of size.

The Bill, gazetted on 26 September 2025, aims to replace the ageing Businesses Act of 1991 and create a uniform licensing system managed by municipalities. Under the proposed rules, any business falling under a designated category would be required to obtain a licence valid for up to five years, subject to renewal.

Is it law yet?

No. The Bill is still in the consultation stage. The public comment period is open, and the Bill will still move through parliamentary processes, amendments, debates, and ultimately require the President’s signature before becoming law. For now, nothing has changed, but the proposal itself has sparked widespread concern.

What the Bill proposes

If passed, the Bill would allow for:

• Mandatory business licences for designated sectors
• Renewal every five years
• Municipalities to approve, suspend or revoke licences
• Inspectors to enter premises, request documentation, and confiscate goods
• Penalties for operating without a licence
• A national database tracking all licensed businesses

Government argues that this will modernise regulation, curb illegal trading, and improve compliance. But business owners — especially in the SMME sector — are sounding the alarm. This Bill affects everyone — so why do SMMEs feel targeted? The Bill does not single out small businesses. Both large and small companies will need licences if their sectors appear in the government’s designated list. However, the practical reality is that SMMEs will suffer the most.

Large corporations have legal teams, compliance officers, dedicated admin staff, money to handle delays, and the capacity to manage red tape. Small businesses do not. This imbalance is already causing anxiety within the SMME community.

“Technically it applies to everyone — but big companies can absorb the admin and delays. We can’t. One lost application or slow renewal can shut down our entire business.” – Local business owner, speaking anonymously

Others say the environment is ripe for abuse. “Let’s be honest. If officials suddenly decide whether you can trade or not, bribery becomes inevitable. SMMEs don’t have the power to fight that.”

A third business owner expressed frustration with municipal efficiency: “You struggle to get a simple permit processed. Now imagine a licence that decides if you can operate. This will destroy small businesses.”

Another said: “Since when must we apply for permission to earn an honest living? We fight every single day just to survive — sweating, working, paying crushing taxes — while government gives us nothing in return. We are keeping this country alive, yet now they want to decide if we’re ‘allowed’ to trade? How can they threaten our right to legally provide for our families?”

Analysts warn that the Bill could lead to: increased red tape, municipal backlogs and long waiting periods, higher costs for compliance, greater risk of corruption and bribery, disruptions to business operations, selective enforcement, and pressure on informal and micro-enterprises.

Public input matters

Because the Bill is not law, South Africans still have time to respond. Public submissions and industry feedback may result in amendments or clearer definitions of which businesses will be designated and how the licensing system will work. “We support fair regulation,” one owner said, “but not at the cost of our survival.”

As Parliament prepares to review the Bill, SMMEs hope that their fears will be taken seriously before South Africa commits to a system that could reshape the business landscape for years to come.

Have Your Say — Before It’s Too Late!

The Business Licensing Bill is still open for public comment, and every business owner HAS the right to speak up. If you are worried, frustrated, or unsure how this Bill may affect your livelihood — you MUST send your comment. Silence counts as approval. Submit your input NOW:

• Email: BLBSubmission@dsbd.gov.za

Address your submission to the Director-General of the Department of Small Business Development and mark it for the attention of Thembani Masinge. All interested persons or stakeholders are kindly requested to provide the name, postal address, telephone, and email address of the person or organisation when submitting the comments. 

• The new deadline for the submission of written comments is Friday 28 November 2025.

This is your chance. Your voice matters. Don’t just talk about it — SEND something.