DEPARTMENT: Department of Cooperative Governance
REGULATION NAME: Standard Draft By-Law for Township Economies (Published in Government Gazette No. 51529, 7 November 2024)
NO AND DATE: Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act No. 32 of 2000
Download HereThis by-law provides a national framework for municipalities to regulate, support, and manage township-based business activities. It sets standards for business permitting, designated trading areas, compliance requirements, and municipal responsibilities. The regulation aims to promote inclusive economic growth in townships by improving access to business sites, strengthening enforcement against illegal goods, creating fair trading conditions, and providing developmental support such as training, infrastructure access, and market facilitation. It also establishes rules for hygiene, prohibited trading zones, permit transfers, penalties for non-compliance, and cooperative enforcement with departments like Home Affairs, Health, and SARS.
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Key facts
- The Standard Draft By-Law for Township Economies was published by the Department of Cooperative Governance in Government Gazette No. 51529 on 7 November 2024.
- It provides a national framework for municipalities to regulate, support and manage township-based business activities under the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act No. 32 of 2000.
- The by-law sets standards for business permitting, designated trading areas, compliance requirements and municipal responsibilities.
- It establishes rules for hygiene, prohibited trading zones, permit transfers and penalties for non-compliance.
- Enforcement is cooperative, involving departments such as Home Affairs, Health and SARS.
- The framework aims to promote inclusive economic growth through better access to business sites, fair trading conditions, enforcement against illegal goods, and developmental support like training and infrastructure access.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Township Economies By-Law?
It is the Standard Draft By-Law for Township Economies, published by the Department of Cooperative Governance in Government Gazette No. 51529 on 7 November 2024. It provides a national framework for municipalities to regulate, support and manage township-based business activities. The by-law is made under the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act No. 32 of 2000.
What does the Township Economies By-Law regulate?
It sets standards for business permitting, designated trading areas, compliance requirements and municipal responsibilities. It also establishes rules for hygiene, prohibited trading zones, permit transfers and penalties for non-compliance. The aim is to create fair trading conditions and manage township business activity consistently across municipalities.
Which departments are involved in enforcing the by-law?
The by-law provides for cooperative enforcement with departments including Home Affairs, Health and SARS. This joint approach supports municipalities in regulating trading and acting against illegal goods. Enforcement works alongside developmental support for legitimate township businesses.
What are the objectives of the 2024 township regulations?
The regulations aim to promote inclusive economic growth in townships by improving access to business sites, strengthening enforcement against illegal goods, and creating fair trading conditions. They also provide developmental support such as training, infrastructure access and market facilitation. Overall, the goal is to formalise and strengthen township-based businesses.
Do township food businesses need to meet hygiene requirements under this by-law?
Yes. The by-law establishes rules for hygiene as part of its compliance requirements for township-based traders. It also covers permitting, prohibited trading zones and penalties for non-compliance. Township food businesses should ensure they meet these standards to trade legally.