The city of Tshwane has launched a new system that allows traders to apply for, renew, and track business licenses and trade permits through a single online channel, eliminating the need to wait in queues.
This launch is part of the practical implementation of the Tshwane Economic Revival Strategy. Now, entrepreneurs, such as the owner of a spaza shop in Mamelodi who previously spent half a day renewing a permit, can do so from their phone. Similarly, street vendors in the city center, beauty salon owners, or car wash operators are no longer forced to lose working time in municipal queues.
The strategy includes considering the informal economy and settlement economics as one of 11 priority sectors and aims to create 80,000 jobs across the city by 2029. Officials emphasize that achieving this goal is only possible with the support of the City's people, who are actually opening businesses and creating sources of income.
M. Moya stated that the city's ambitions for economic growth depend on the success of people who start businesses, create jobs, and earn money throughout Tshwane. She added that this platform represents a concrete step towards this goal, as increasing the accessibility and efficiency of municipal processes simplifies compliance, operation, and development for entrepreneurs and traders.
Business-friendly approach
The website went live at midnight on September 12. It already covers four daily activities: registration of spaza shops, permits for beauty salons, licenses for street vendors, and trade permits for car washes. The system is based on the City's new By-law on Informal Trade and Settlement Economics, as well as the National Business Act.
Municipal Council Member (MMC) Sarah Mabotsa, who oversees the economic development portfolio, described the changes from a human perspective. She noted that an entrepreneur from Mamelodi, a trader in the city center, or an owner of a salon/car wash should be able to interact with the City without losing productive time. Her responsibility, she said, is not only to regulate economic activity but also to create an environment that allows business to participate.
The launch comes against a backdrop of encouraging employment figures in Tshwane. According to Stats SA, 22,000 additional jobs were created between April and June, including 1,000 in the informal sector. Municipal officials expect reduced document processing times, cleaner record-keeping, and fewer frustrated visits to reception points. Traders will be able to submit applications, track progress, and complete renewals without the need for extensive paperwork.
The platform is available at tbc.tshwane.gov.za, as well as on the City's website www.tshwane.gov.za or the e-Tshwane portal at www.e-tshwane.co.za. For assistance, contact Ndaedzo Nthonze at NdaedzoN@tshwane.gov.za or by phone at 063 299 6862, or Paseka Rakoso from the Tshwane Economic Development Agency at PasekaR@tshwane.gov.za. Mabotsa's concluding remark is that the growing city needs both opportunities and responsible regulation so that more residents can start, run, and develop their businesses.