By: Noko Mashilo
Compliance in South Africa is essential for ensuring that businesses and organisations adhere to laws, regulations, and ethical standards. In an effort to promote a fair and transparent business environment, Gauteng economic development and finance MEC Lebogang Maile recently launched the Qondis Ishishini Lakho (Fix Your Business) initiative in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni.
Gauteng economic development spokesperson Siphiwe Hlope told Vutivi News that the initiative aimed to provide the necessary support to ensure the growth and sustainability of SMEs in townships, informal settlements, and CBDs. The government offered both financial support, such as funding and grants, and non-financial support through its agencies and private sector partners. “To ensure businesses thrive and regain consumer confidence, which will drive economic growth, it is crucial to assist those unfamiliar with compliance requirements by raising awareness of applicable laws and regulations,” Hlope explained.
These included obtaining valid trading permits from local municipalities, securing Certificates of Acceptability for businesses that manufactured, traded, handled, or sold food, adhering to municipal by-laws, and other specific licences like those needed for liquor and gambling. Businesses were also expected to comply with the Consumer Protection Act by having necessary documents such as cancellation, return and refund policies, terms and conditions, valid receipts and invoices, and lay-by agreements.
The department said it was committed to keeping SMEs informed about regulatory changes through various channels, including the Government Gazette, the media, business organisations and communication platforms such as associations, forums and chambers. “SMEs will also have access to free information and training sessions provided by government departments and business associations,” said Hlope.
To monitor compliance, the department was collaborating with consumer investigators and other stakeholders to conduct regular inspections, including environmental health practitioners, who issued notices of non-compliance and offered on-the-spot advice to help businesses rectify their shortcomings. The Gauteng Office of Consumer Affairs conducted regular inspections to ensure compliance, particularly among liquor traders, while the client relations management office would hold awareness sessions for liquor traders and work with liquor associations to address violations.
In the process of documenting and reporting compliance activities, the department told Vutivi News it would rely on the Gauteng Liquor Board’s inspectorate, compliance, and enforcement unit. “Regional offices and the registration and licensing team will verify documents at events, while the Gauteng Office of Consumer Affairs compiles post-compliance monitoring reports and conducts follow-up inspections,” it said.
For non-compliant businesses that continued trading, the department said the board’s inspectors would notify the police. “Illegal trading outlets will be shut down by SAPS, as enforcing the prohibition of illegal trading falls under their jurisdiction,” it said. Another key aim of the campaign is to inform businesses about the benefits of formalisation, including greater opportunities for funding, credit lending, and increased market access.
