eThekwini Municipality introduces online business licensing portal

THE Covid-19 outbreak has led many institutions to introduce smarter ways of functioning that are easily accessible and user friendly. In line with the move towards creating a smart city, eThekwini Municipality has created an online business licensing portal which is already up and running.

The process of applying for business licensing was officially changed from paper to digital as of last week.

eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda said this will improve compliance, increase efficiency and reduce the travel burden for businesses who have had to visit municipal offices for applications and renewals.

According to the Municipality’s Business Support, Tourism and Markets Unit, the demand for business licensing is high and forever increasing as they attend to an average of 50 enquiries per day. The handling of a large number of hard copy documents and an influx of people coming in and out posed health risks during these times of Covid-19.

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“With this one-stop online business licensing portal, customers are now able to access our service anywhere and anytime. This provides a flexible platform for businesses to apply for licensing from the comfort of their homes at any time without visiting municipal offices,” said Kaunda.

Applicants will register on eServices and will be directed to the business licensing portal where they will register their personal details, business details, upload necessary documents and submit to licensing. The Licensing Department will then validate the applications and process them accordingly and provide feedback via the portal.

Kaunda stated that this fourth industrial initiative was imperative because the municipality has about 20 000 businesses with licenses that are required to be renewed annually and from time to time, new trading space is advertised.

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“Therefore, this digital move strives to facilitate flexible compliance by the business community and the promotion of economic growth. Business licensing aspires to support businesses that intend to operate within the ambit of the laws such as the Business Act 71 of 1991 and Accommodation Establishment Bylaw,” he said.

Click on the link for the online business licensing portal user guide: https://bit.ly/3nGy44l  

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