The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling on the Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, to withdraw the Business Licensing Bill immediately. This Bill is a disaster for small businesses, informal traders, and start-up entrepreneurs.
It claims to make life easier for businesses but does the opposite. Under this Bill, even a street vendor selling flowers or an informal trader selling food would need a licence.
These businesses are already regulated on health, safety, and environmental standards. Adding another layer of licensing will create unnecessary red tape, slow growth, and punish those trying to earn a living.
The Bill hands the Minister sweeping powers to decide which businesses need licences, giving authorised people the ability to enter premises, seize goods, and impose fines. This creates uncertainty, opens the door to corruption, and makes it harder to start and grow businesses.
South Africa is facing a stagnant economy, rising unemployment, and failing municipalities. At a time when bold reforms are needed to unleash entrepreneurship, government is proposing a law that will shackle business and destroy livelihoods.
The DA stands with small businesses. We need policies that support entrepreneurs, reduce unnecessary regulation, and empower South Africans to work and trade freely.
In its current form, the Business Licensing Bill is unworkable, unfunded, and harmful. It should be withdrawn immediately before it does more damage to the economy and the people trying to make a living.