ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COUNTDOWN TO BUSINESS LICENCE RENEWAL DEADLINE
With only one week remaining before the business licence renewal deadline, eThekwini Municipality urges businesses to renew their licences without delay to avoid legal consequences and disruption to operations.
All 12 910 businesses registered on the Municipal database are required to renew their business licences by 31 January 2026 to continue trading legally.
Business licence renewal is free and can be completed online via the Business Licensing Portal at www.durban.gov.za or in person at the office where the licence was originally issued, from Monday to Friday between 8am and 3pm.
EThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, said operating as a licensed and registered business delivers significant economic and social benefits for both businesses and the City.
“A valid business licence builds credibility and trust, opens doors to funding and partnerships, and enables businesses to participate meaningfully in the formal economy. Compliance protects businesses and consumers, while supporting sustainable economic growth across the City,” said Mayor Xaba.
Registered businesses are better positioned to access government funding, as well as support and capacity-building programmes, including current funding opportunities through the Department of Small Business Development for registered spaza shops and food-handling businesses.
Licensed businesses are also more attractive to investors, suppliers and customers, supporting long-term sustainability.
The Municipality has warned that failure to comply will result in enforcement action.
After the 31 January 2026 deadline, multidisciplinary compliance operations will commence, including Operation Gijima involving the Metro Police, South African Police Service, Primary Healthcare Services, Fire Services, Planning, Building Control and other regulatory authorities.
Businesses operating without valid licences will face prosecution, enforcement action, and possible licence lapsing in terms of the Business Licensing By-law 2024 and the Business Act 71 of 1991.
Mayor Xaba cautioned that trading without a valid business licence is a criminal offence.
“Non-compliant businesses will be dealt with decisively. We urge all businesses to renew their licence immediately and operate within the law.”
Documents required for renewal include the original licence, identity documents, company or proxy documentation where applicable, a SARS tax clearance certificate, and fingerprint clearance for applicable licence categories.
To renew licences and for enquiries, contact the City’s Business Licensing Division on 031 311 4535, email licensing@durban.gov.za, or visit 199 Anton Lembede Street, Embassy Building, 7th floor.
Other Business Licence Regional Offices are located at:
• Sizakala Centre Winklespruit, 11 Grace Dale Road, Winklespruit
• Sizakala Centre Pinetown Civic Centre, 60 Kings Road, Pinetown
• Sizakala Centre Verulam, Ground Floor, 151 Wick Street, Verulam
• Sizakala Centre Midway Mall, Newlands West
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.
