| Informal trading | Informal trading | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Informal%20Trading%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <div class="ExternalClassA169F0B2206C4FE89307F9B9EAC76FF0"><p>Informal trade is a very important part of Cape Town's economy and offers good employment opportunities for traders, as well as affordable goods and services to locals. The informal sector is the fifth largest employment sector in Cape Town.</p></div> | <h2 class="sectHeading">Set up your informal trading business</h2><div class="infographic bg-font-adjust-bg"><figure><img class="responsive" alt="placeholder" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Informal_Trading_FAQs.JPG" /></figure><figcaption>
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<span class="infoGraphicSpan"><strong>frequently asked questions</strong></span><br><br>View or download our Informal Trading FAQs document:</p>
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Informal_Trading_FAQs.pdf" target="_blank">English</a> |
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Informal_Trading_FAQs_Afrikaans.pdf" target="_blank">Afrikaans</a> |
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Informal_Trading_FAQs_Xhosa.pdf">isiXhosa</a></figcaption></div><p>You can find out more about how the City regulates informal trading by reading our
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Informal%20Trading%2c%202013%20-%20%28Policy%20number%2012664%29%20approved%20on%2026%20September%202013.pdf" target="_blank">Informal Trading Policy</a> – in this document we detail how we manage trading locations, types of legal trading, operating hours, permits and licences, and the responsibilities of the traders. Our policy provides a clear indication of what we expect from informal traders.</p><p>Unemployed South African residents qualify for an informal trading permit. You will need to provide a copy of your Identity Document when you make your application. If you’re a foreign national, you will need to provide proof of your legal residential status in South Africa.</p><p>The cost of a permit depends on the type of trading you will be doing and your trading needs. Monthly
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/local%20and%20communities/meet-the-city/the-city-budget/city-wide-tariffs">tariffs</a> can range from R69 to R1500 for a lockable container.</p><p>Our useful Dos and Don'ts Guide provides more information about what you can and can't do with your informal trading permit. </p>
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<figure><img class="responsive" alt="placeholder" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Informal_Trading_Dos_and_Don%27ts.JPG" style="width:76px;" /></figure><figcaption>
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<span class="infoGraphicSpan">
<strong>DOS AND DON'TS</strong></span><br><br>View or download the Dos and Don'ts Guide</p>(<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Informal_Traders_Dos_and_Donts_English.pdf" target="_blank">English</a> |
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Informal_Traders_Dos_and_Donts_Afrikaans.pdf">Afrikaans</a> |
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Informal_Traders_Dos_and_Donts_Xhosa.pdf" target="_blank">isiXhosa</a>) </figcaption> </div></span>
<h2 class="sectHeading">Events</h2><p>Our Informal trading information sessions will provide you with relevant information to ensure compliance with the City’s Informal Trading Policy and By-law, as well as various business support initiatives that could help you develop your business.
<br>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/general/information-sessions-and-events-for-informal-traders" target="_blank">View the schedule</a>.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Informal trading permit</h2><p><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0">If you want to become an informal trader, the first thing you need to do is apply for an informal trading permit which will allow you to sell your goods within the Cape Town municipality.</span> </p><div class="notification with-heading white-copy yellow bg-darker-grey"><div class="graphic">
<i class="info citycard"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>City Connect</h4><p>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Licences-and-permits/Business-and-trade/Apply-for-an-informal-trading-permit">Apply for an informal trading permit</a><br></p></div></div><p>Depending on the kind of trading you want to undertake, you may also need to apply for additional certifications. Please see the sections below for details.</p><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border">
<i class="info note"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p>A busker or public performer is not allowed to trade in a public space. You cannot provide goods or services, or do any one-on-one consultations for money, a fee or reward. Refer to the
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Arts_Culture_Busking_guidelines.pdf" target="_blank">Public Art and Busking Guidelines </a>for conditions of busking and performing in public spaces.</p></div></div><h2 class="sectHeading">Temporary structures</h2><p>If you want to erect a
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/planning-portal/regulations-and-legislations/temporary-structures">temporary structure</a> then you will have to apply for certification from the <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Departments/Development%20Management%20Department">Development Management Department</a>. </p><div class="notification with-heading white-copy yellow bg-darker-grey"><div class="graphic">
<i class="info citycard"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>City Connect</h4><p>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Planning-building-and-development/Building-plan-applications/Apply-for-a-temporary-structure">Apply for a temporary structure</a></p></div></div><h2 class="sectHeading">Selling food as an informal trader</h2><p>To prepare and sell food, you will need to obtain a hawking in meals licence. This application will form part of your overall application for an informal trading permit, which is part of a
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/doing-business-in-the-city/business-compliance-permits-and-licences/business-licences-and-permits">business licence application</a>. The cost of a hawking in meals licence is R10.</p><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border">
<i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p>Ask for help if you are stuck. You can visit your closest
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms%2c%20notices%2c%20tariffs%20and%20lists/LIST_ENVIRONMENTAL_HEALTH_OFFICES.pdf" target="_blank">environmental health office</a> if you are unsure of where to start. Remember, you will need to submit your application at an environmental health office too. You can also contact <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/doing-business-in-the-city/business-support-and-guidance/the-business-hub">The Business Hub</a> for help.</p></div></div><p>You will also need to obtain a certificate of acceptability. The application must be in the name of the person responsible for the food premises and/or the owner of the food premises. The certificate is not transferable from one person, or premises, to another. Food safety is very important to us and to our communities. Licence holders have to comply with the
<a href="https://www.gov.za/documents/foodstuffs-cosmetics-and-disinfectants-act-regulations-governing-hygiene-requirements-food" target="_blank">national regulations governing food hygiene and transport<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>.</p><div class="notification with-heading white-copy yellow bg-darker-grey"><div class="graphic">
<i class="info citycard"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>City Connect</h4><p>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Licences-and-permits/Business-and-trade/Apply-for-a-certificate-of-acceptability">Apply for a certificate of acceptability</a></p></div></div><p>We have also compiled a number of
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Rules%20for%20Informal%20Food%20Traders%20Pamphlet.pdf" target="_blank">guidelines</a> to assist traders in keeping their food safe and hygienic.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Informal beach trading</h2><p>For the City, informal beach trading contributes to the creation of jobs and has the potential to expand its economic base. Go to
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Licences-and-permits/Business-and-trade/Apply-for-an-informal-trading-permit">City Connect </a>to download and complete the application form.</p><p>Read our
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Informal%20Beach%20Trading%20and%20Management%20Framework%20Policy%20-%20approved%20on%2027%20August%202003.pdf" target="_blank">Informal Beach Trading and Management Framework Policy</a></p><h2 class="sectHeading">Contact us</h2><div class="mobile-scroll">
<table style="width:595px;">
<caption>Area offices:</caption>
<thead><tr><th style="width:70px;">Area</th><th>Address</th><th style="width:260px;">Contact number</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="width:70px;">
<strong>Central</strong></td><td>Goodwood Administrative Building,
<br>Corner of Voortrekker and De Villiers Roads, Goodwood</td><td style="width:260px;">
<em><a>021 417 4043</a> </em></td></tr><tr><td style="width:70px;">
<strong>East</strong></td><td>Block C, Stocks and Stocks, Khayelitsha</td><td style="width:260px;">
<em>
<a>021 400 5942</a></em></td></tr><tr><td style="width:70px;">
<strong>North</strong></td><td>44 Wale Street, Cape Town</td><td style="width:260px;">
<em>
<a>021 400 5379</a></em></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="1" style="width:70px;">
<strong>South</strong></td><td rowspan="1">Plumstead Municipal Office,
<br>Corner of Victoria and Main Roads, Plumstead<br></td><td rowspan="1" style="width:260px;">
<em>
<a>021 417 4043</a></em></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="1" style="width:70px;"><br></td><td rowspan="1">Mitchells Plain Town Centre, City of Cape Town Block (First floor)<br></td><td rowspan="1" style="width:260px;">
<em>
<a>021 417 4069</a></em><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<h4>Alternatively, you can contact Area Economic Development directly :</h4><ul><li>Telephone:
<a>021 417 4043</a><br></li><li>Email 1:
<a href="mailto:informal.trading@capetown.gov.za">informal.trading@capetown.gov.za</a> </li><li>Email 2:
<a href="mailto:Informal.economy@capetown.gov.za">Informal.economy@capetown.gov.za</a></li></ul> | | GP0|#dd241767-2dad-475e-b940-517ec5fc1937;L0|#0dd241767-2dad-475e-b940-517ec5fc1937|Informal trading;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#cc673c3e-f34b-48a5-86c7-713aa556fb7a;GPP|#ce2f744d-a7d0-4f70-9e09-6cef4e0b7eb4;GPP|#e88ff549-973f-4e3c-a46c-cfbe61bd6a24;GP0|#93297a35-0779-4809-a827-2e9a7b84414e;L0|#093297a35-0779-4809-a827-2e9a7b84414e|Informal trading;GPP|#1db563fe-1258-4206-8c65-6991cb22da7d;GP0|#3b0e60f4-8e83-4aa7-9b2d-a66eddf27a93;L0|#03b0e60f4-8e83-4aa7-9b2d-a66eddf27a93|Informal trading;GPP|#be37894f-e5da-4b67-8127-0263d3de57a3 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | What you need to know to set up your own informal trading business. | 0 |
