Businesses operating from vehicles and trailers such as food trucks, barber shops to clothing outlets have become increasingly popular in Cape Town.
In harnessing this opportunity and accommodating this global phenomenon, the City has drafted a Mobile Business Policy, which aims to support this growing sector by putting measures in place that will make it easier to apply and operate.
The City’s Economic Growth Directorate is urging the public to submit their comments on the draft policy before 30 July when the public participation period closes.
“At the beginning of this year I said our recovery from Covid-19 must lead to a different economy” said James Vos Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.
“We need to re-imagine the way we live, work and play, and therefore it is important to monitor trends and determine the best ways to achieve increased economic participation that will support growth.”
Vos said governments in high performing economies are more open to experimenting with new approaches to markets and regulations by coming up with programmes to test new ideas in a variety of circumstances, adapting where necessary, and then adopting policies that work.
In recent years there has been an increase in businesses becoming agile and demand-driven, and ditching the fixed brick-and-mortar locations that bring high running costs and single location consumers.
“I am excited to announce our plans of a pro-growth agenda that involves strategies to improve productivity, income and demand for the benefit of businesses” Vos said.
“We are confident that, with the help of Cape Town, the City will be able to finalise the definition of mobile business and devise a workable system that lawfully supports this sector and creates an enabling environment that is a catalyst for further economic activity.
“This will also contribute positively to the urban space. This process is an example of the City’s active commitment to making it easier for entrepreneurs to do business in Cape Town.”
What’s in the draft policy?
The proposed definition for a mobile business allows for truck-type businesses, businesses that are towed via a trailer and where the self-contained trailer operates as the business. Mobile Business Operators will need to be registered with the City, and have attained the necessary licenses as outlined within this policy (ie Business Licence, Certificate of Acceptability).
Rules, roles and responsibilities of the City and business owners of these services, which ranges from the permit application and approval processes to the operating do’s and don’ts that encourages an enabling business environment.
It introduces the concept of Mobile Business Trading Areas (MBTAs), which will permit mobile business activity in select areas within the municipality.
The proposal that it only applies to City land; not to private land and events.
Submit your comments by 4 August via the following channels:. Online: www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/have-your-say. Email: Mobile.BusinessPolicy@capetown.gov.za. In-person: to Subcouncil Managers at Subcouncil Offices
