Informal Trading Permit

If you would like to trade goods informally in public spaces, you must apply for an informal trading permit. Anyone who is unemployed and legally allowed to live in South Africa qualifies for a permit. Permits are issued on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis.

If you are planning on selling or hawking food, then you will need to apply for a hawking business trading license as well as a certificate of acceptability.

To qualify, you must be an informal trader, be unemployed and be in good standing with the Municipality.

The application process requires that you detail the nature of your trade and fit the various criteria for being an informal trader. Permits are issued by the Municipality’s Area Based Service Delivery Directorate.