Ratepayers’ group calls for improved support for small businesses in Msunduzi

The Msunduzi Association of Residents Ratepayers and Civics (MARRC) has urged the municipality to create an environment that will enable small businesses to thrive.

The organisation stated that during its engagement with small businesses, concerns were raised about the red tape that frustrates the registration process for these enterprises.

Among the issues highlighted is the high cost of registration and the lack of a single point of contact to facilitate the registration process. The organisation raised these concerns in a submission to the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC), which is holding meetings to discuss the 2024-2025 annual budget.

MARRC stated, “We have engaged with small businesses who have complained about the red tape, bureaucracy, and high costs associated with registering a business. They mentioned that it was difficult to start a business in the Msunduzi Municipality and that they often have to venture to other cities, which are more business-friendly and provide many opportunities that are lacking in Msunduzi.”

The organisation provided an anecdote from a business owner they engaged with. The business person said, “My experience with the municipality has been one that requires a lot of patience and understanding. What you are trying to accomplish in the application process is not clear. People at administrative offices do not know where to refer you, and office spaces seem to change frequently. You may be referred to one building only to discover that the particular department no longer operates from there.

“Some bylaws are outdated and need to be updated to reflect current business practices. The run-around and pricing for the permits are too much for small businesses.”

MARRC concluded by asking, “What are the municipality’s plans to improve the licensing process and to make Msunduzi a business-friendly municipality?”

“This is a factual experience of a small business owner, and the amount of red tape, bureaucracy, and high business licensing fees is enough to deter small businesses from operating in the Msunduzi municipality. The municipality is failing the SMME sector and discouraging them from creating employment opportunities,” it said.

THE MERCURY