The City of Johannesburg, Environmental Health Directorate would like to warn the public against people who are posing as Environmental Health Practitioners.
It has come to their attention that there are people within the City of Johannesburg, who are pretending to be Environmental Health Practitioners issuing fraudulent Business licenses, permits and Certificate of Acceptability to the business owners, and charging them for these services. Please note that issuing of the Certificate of Acceptability (COA) is free of charge.
The City of Johannesburg, Environmental Health Directorate communication specialist Nkosinathi Nkabinde for business licenses and permits there are stipulated tariffs, in accordance with the Business Act.
“The only costs involved and payable are those that have been approved by the Council’s in terms of its fees and tariffs structure.
“Health Permits are issued in accordance with the Public Health By-Laws.
“No rewards must be made for services rendered as that might considered as bribe.
“A criminal case will be opened at the police, against any client and official for acts of fraud and corruption,” he said.
Nkabinde said Environmental Health and Business License officers are involved in compliance monitoring of premises such as those requiring licensing in terms of the Businesses Act.
“It has to be pointed out that the following services are regarded as Municipal Health Services in terms of the National Health Act, 61 of 2003, food control, waste management, health surveillance of premises, surveillance and prevention of communicable diseases, vector control, environmental pollution control, these services form an integral part of business licensing and have to be evaluated before a license is issued and disposal of the dead, environmental pollution control and chemical safety.
“The license application process are that the applicant has to lodge an application for an opposite license at the Regional Environmental Health office.
“The Business License Officer, designated staff member or Business License Assistant has to advise the applicant on the following, legislative provisions and processes that are to be followed by the council’s policy
“The applicable application fees as determined by the Council annually, and where to pay his/her application fee.
“The proof of payment must be returned to Environmental Health Offices without any delay,” he said.
Nkabinde said the City of Johannesburg Health Department will continue to take measures within its available resources to improve the quality of life of the people and will endeavour to progressively improve the service delivery.
City of Johannesburg Health Department can be reached at 011 407 6494 or 011 407 6545.
