Mpumalanga traders urged to renew licences early
At a workshop recently, representatives of the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator said licensing regulations have been improved for the traders to run their businesses with greater ease.
The Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER) has urged traders to comply with the prescribes of their licences.
The MER held a stakeholder workshop in the Oewersig Community Hall in Mbombela on Friday March 17. The workshop was attended by local traders, representatives of the City of Mbombela and the Ehlanzeni District Municipality, the police and SARS.
The MER’s spokesperson, Judith Khoza, said the aim of the workshop was to outline most of the licensing conditions that have been improved over the years to accelerate compliancy.
“The gambling and liquor industries have grown extensively, and we need to constantly gain knowledge to understand its licensing dynamics. The licensing regulations are not put in place to hinder the success of businesses, but to elevate them,” Khoza said.
ALSO READ: Mpumalanga premier provides update on national shutdown
During his presentation, the MER’s investigations manager, George Madonsela, said traders should go about the correct way to obtain their licences. “Firstly, they should be paid for, but proof of payment does not prove that you have the licence. Some traders do not follow the conditions of their licences, that is why they are constantly evoked by the SAPS,” he said.
Traders should not wait for their licences to expire before they apply for a renewal. “A trading licence is valid for 12 months unless stipulated otherwise. I even get calls from traders complaining that we take too long to issue their renewals. An easy solution to avoid this is to submit your applications at least three months before the expiry date.”
ALSO READ: Car parked at KMI Airport for over four years – owner not missing, just in love
The MER’s inspectorate manager, Elijah Mamba, said traders should keep updated documents of their business and copies must be kept on the premises. Traders should familiarise themselves with the regulations regarding offences and penalties.
