Informal traders, whom the Department of Trade and Industry says will benefit from its controversial draft Licensing of Businesses Bill, say they do not support it.
Chairperson of the South African Informal Traders Alliance, Thabiso Pita, says he believes the bill is autocratic, because it suppresses informal traders and it has too much administration cost and fees.
He says the effect of the bill on the informal sector is that most people won’t afford the application and administration fees.
The period for public comment on the bill ends on Tuesday, but the informal traders want it extended for another six months.
The bill requires all businesses to get a licence to operate, from their local municipality.
