Primary briefing · Gazette
high impact 223 · Proclamation Notice 110 of 2026 · 2026-07-17
City of Johannesburg Township Economies By-Law — mandatory registration, permits, and foreign-ownership quotas effective immediately
Effective from
17 Jul 2026
The City of Johannesburg has promulgated a comprehensive Township Economies By-Law (Gauteng Provincial Gazette No. 223, 17 July 2026) that requires all formal and informal businesses operating in township areas to register with the City and obtain permits. Registration demands proof of identity, business description, health and safety certificates, a waste management plan, food safety training proof, and air quality compliance documentation. Permits must be displayed prominently and will be revoked if the holder fails to commence business within three months. The By-Law empowers the City to determine quotas on the proportion of businesses within specific categories to be owned and operated by foreign nationals — a power with significant constitutional implications under section 22 of the Constitution. Non-compliance is a criminal offence carrying a fine or up to six months' imprisonment. Existing non-compliant businesses must comply within six months of commencement. The By-Law takes precedence over other conflicting City by-laws and also establishes support mechanisms including capacity building, youth and women entrepreneurship programmes, and digital transformation initiatives.
Who is affected
Informal traders and street vendors in Johannesburg townshipsSpaza shops, home-based businesses, and SMMEs in township areasForeign nationals operating businesses in JohannesburgFood services and food retail operators in townshipsProperty owners in township business zonesCorporate clients with township retail or supply-chain exposureImmigration and constitutional law practitioners What this means for practitioners
Identify all clients with business operations in Johannesburg township areas and advise on mandatory registration and permitting requirements under section 6
Existing non-compliant businesses must achieve full compliance within six months of 17 July 2026 (i.e. by approximately 17 January 2027)
Foreign-owned business clients should be alerted to the City's power to impose ownership quotas by business category — monitor for any quota determinations
Ensure permit renewal applications are submitted at least 90 days before expiration
Advise affected clients on appeal rights: appeals against City decisions must be submitted within 21 days
Assess potential constitutional challenges to the foreign-ownership quota power under section 22 of the Constitution