The Western Cape government has voiced strong opposition to the draft Business Licensing Bill in its current form. The legislation, which seeks to empower local councils to grant preferential business licenses to small businesses owned by disadvantaged groups, has raised concerns about its practicality and impact.
MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Ivan Meyer, described the draft as “vague, confusing, and unworkable,” saying it fails to establish a uniform national framework for business licensing. Meyer warned the bill could have negative consequences for employment.
He told reporters, “This Draft Business Licensing Bill will also create more unemployment in South Africa. South Africa should rather focus on growing the economy and creating more jobs for the unemployed youth in South Africa.”
The Western Cape government is calling for a review and revision of the legislation to ensure it supports job creation and economic growth, rather than adding bureaucratic hurdles that could harm small businesses.
VOC News
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