The city of Cape Town is suggesting changes to the Informal Trading Bylaw, aimed at allowing mobile businesses to operate on land owned by the city. The proposed amendments would also establish mobile business trading areas, decommission existing ones, recognise various types of mobile businesses, and issue permits. The draft Mobile Business Policy is part of an innovative approach to develop the regulation of mobile business operators and trading areas and is expected to support local economic development by using public spaces to support this emerging form of formal business activity.
Cape Town is taking bold steps towards embracing the growth of the mobile business sector, with an initiative that allows residents to shape its future. From May 15 to June 15, 2023, the City is inviting the public to weigh in on the proposed locations for 69 mobile business trading areas that would cater to food trucks, trailers, and other portable services. This initiative is a crucial step in the City’s plan to support various business sectors and stimulate economic growth.