Mogale City’s Enterprise and Rural Development (ERD) Services, in collaboration with Gauteng Provincial Government, successfully hosted the Township Commercial Property Owners’ Imbizo at Chief Mogale Community Hall in Kagiso.
The event, held under the theme “Empowering Gauteng Communities for a Compliant and Inclusive Economy,” marked the culmination of the Lokiša Kgwebo Ya Gago / Qondis’ Ishishini Lakho / Fix Your Business / Maak Jou Besigheid Reg campaign.
Speaking at the event, ERD Manager Deon Govender provided a detailed progress report on business and licensing registration applications received. “To date, we have received 437 foreign applications and 340 South African applications,” he said.
Discussions addressed compliance issues related to property zoning and building regulations. Property owners were reminded to ensure their properties are zoned correctly for business activities while residential property owners interested in conducting business were requested to seek zoning approval from the municipality’s Development Planning Department.
Furthermore, property owners were encouraged to ensure that their building plans align with the current structures on their properties. Any alterations must be updated and approved by the municipality’s Building Development Management Department.
Attendees were informed that the municipality would soon release by-laws for business registration and ownership for public comment and were urged to actively participate in this process to ensure their perspectives are considered.
In closing, Executive Mayor Lucky Sele emphasised that compliance is non-negotiable for businesses to operate and benefit from government support. He urged local entrepreneurs to take ownership of their role in the local economy and comply with regulations as the municipality intensifies monitoring efforts and shut down non-compliant spaza shops and businesses.