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Comment on the proposed mobile business trading areas for the Cape town CBD

We are in the process of demarcating trading areas where mobile businesses with permits will be allowed to operate, and we want your input.

Comment Period: Submit your comments from 15 January - 15 February 2026.

Phases

Phases overview

Phase 1: Public Participation

Public Participation

Public Participation

15 January 2026 22:00 - 16 February 2026 22:00

About

What is a mobile business?

Mobile business operators are generally associated with informal trading vendors, however, there are distinct differences between the two, namely:

In addition, the public offering, operating model, and target market of the two types of operators are distinctly different.

How does the City support mobile business operations?

We are constantly looking for, and investing in ways to support various business sectors.

Recent examples of this include:

Council’s approval of the Mobile Business Policy and Informal Trading Amendment By-law, 2025; and
the provision of proposed mobile business trading areas for implementation to help the growing mobile business sector.

Our Economic Development and Investment Department is now in the process of demarcating trading sites for mobile business operations across the City, and we want your input on the draft trading sites for the Cape Town CBD.

In terms of section 17 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000, you can submit comments to the municipality in respect of the proposed mobile business trading sites.

Access the documents:

Submit your comment

Comments may be submitted via the following channels:

Online: Submit your comment via the "Submit a Comment" button above
Delivery: Deliver your comments by hand to the Subcouncil 16 office during office hours (weekdays, 08:00 - 15:00).

PLEASE NOTE: Our Public Participation Unit will assist you if you would like to submit comments but have a disability or are unable to read or write. See contact details below.

Andre Louw

Telephone: 021 400 9809
Email: andre.louw@capetown.gov.za

Contact us

For more information and general enquiries:

Email: mobile.businesspolicy@capetown.gov.za

11 issues

Ichraam Daniels6 months ago

Mzothando Booi6 months ago

Craig Symington6 months ago Mobile and informal trading is a great economic upliftment opportunity, provided access to permits is simple and accessible.specifically, in respect of the proposed sites, all mention proximity to refuse bins, the city’s green bins are too small are often overflowing throughout the city centre.the site Cnr Waterkant and Buitengracht Street is problematic as Buitengracht is already heavily congested and pedestrians already ignore the lights at this point, leading to further traffic delays. A trading site here has the potential to increase this issue.

Mike BOSAZZA6 months ago In June 2023 I responded to the proposed mobile business trading areas and I objected to the restricted times of trading as laid down. i see that those restrictions reman. Whilst many people only drink coffee in the morning, our experience in De Waal Park is that visitors to the park enjoy coffee or some other refreshment in the afternoons as well. 5 hours of trading is therefore not enough.I do not know if you have taken heed of my suggestion as to the position of the coffee cart but I suggest once again that it be close to the bandstand where there is a prepaid electricity meter which ensures that there is no need for a generator.

Oleander Oakes6 months ago The Portlands Ratepayers Association welcomes the City’s initiative to demarcate mobile business trading areas. In terms of Section 17 of the Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000), and guided by the Mobile Business Policy and Informal Trading Amendment By-law, 2025, we emphasize compliance, safety, and fairness. Trading bays must avoid obstruction, provide ablution and waste facilities, and respect heritage requirements under the National Heritage Resources Act. Allocation should prioritize local entrepreneurs, ensuring transparency and alignment with the Constitution’s principles of equality and accountability. Civic organizations and ward committees must be consulted before finalization. We support the project if managed responsibly and in full compliance with law. The Portlands Ratepayers Association notes that Mitchell’s Plain, Strandfontein, and Khayelitsha are situated along Cape Town’s coastline, offering significant tourism potential. Yet for years, these communities have been overlooked in economic development planning. In terms of Section 17 of the Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000), the Mobile Business Policy and Informal Trading Amendment By-law (2025), and the Constitution’s principles of equality and accountability, we urge the City to prioritize these areas in future phases. Trading bays must be lawful, safe, and transparent, with proper facilities and heritage compliance. We support mobile business trading areas if managed responsibly and equitably across all communities. Yours faithfully, Portlands Ratepayers Association

Bianca Mayne6 months ago Additional Motivation in Support of Application for Informal Beach TradingI am applying for an informal beach trading permit to operate The Dive Diner, a mobile food trailer offering safe, high-quality food to beachgoers, ocean users, and tourists. I have over 10 years’ experience as a professional chef and pastry chef, with a strong understanding of food safety, hygiene, and efficient service.The business is linked to The Dive Spot, a local scuba diving operation, making it essential for us to operate close to a beach environment. This location allows us to serve divers, swimmers, and visitors while supporting local tourism and small business development.The Dive Diner will operate in full compliance with municipal regulations, maintain a clean trading area, and manage waste responsibly.Please note that I am aware the Long Beach trading bay is currently allocated. I am therefore not applying for that site at this time, but respectfully request consideration for the allocation of an additional suitable trading bay.Yours sincerely,Bianca MayneApplicant – The Dive Diner (Mobile Food Trailer)

Henri du Toit6 months ago

Herman Swiegers6 months ago I agree with creating opportunities for all. My only concern is that the traders have to have permits and they have to be managed. The business have to be conducted in a well organised manner. Decent structures have to be provided from where the business can be operated from. I do not agree to informal shacks and tents to be erected from where they do informal trading and cause a harassment and obstruction to pedestrians or traffic.

Malusi Blou 6 months ago

Mzothando Booi6 months ago

DAVID HART6 months ago

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Open Day: Proposed Mobile Business Trading Areas (Cape town CBD)
Event date: February 5th, 2026 from 08:00 to 11:00.
44 Wale Street
11 registrants
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