Businesses affected by riots encouraged to apply on Treasury business portal

The government has now launched a registration portal for businesses affected by the KwaZulu-Natal riots in July.

The widespread looting spread to parts of Gauteng, and several businesses were robbed and properties damaged.

National and provincial governments are implementing a wide range of measures to help small and medium businesses which suffered damage or losses to rebuild. This is part of the relief package announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 25 July 2021.

The registration portal will collect data from affected businesses to better coordinate relief measures and will play a part in informing future interventions.

It will also provide a single governmental entry point for businesses to indicate the extent of losses they have suffered and to access available facilities.

“The government calls on all business owners affected by the unrest between 9 and 19 July 2021 to register on the portal,” it said in a statement on Monday.

Alternatively, business owners who experience problems accessing the portal can use the toll-free call centre at 080 006 00850. Call centre operating hours are between 8am and 5pm on weekdays (but closed on public holidays).

Data collected through the portal will be kept secure and will only be used to improve support measures being administered through various national and provincial government entities.

All businesses affected by the unrest are encouraged to register.

The portal and call centre will remain open for affected businesses to register until Thursday, 30 September at 5pm.