# The Department of Small Business Development has published the draft Business Licensing Bill for public comment. The bill aims to empower local councils to provide preferential licensing for small businesses owned by disadvantaged groups. The National Employers’ Association of South Africa has raised concerns over vague language, potential exclusionary practices, and impractical implementation, warning that the legislation may harm free-market functioning and impede participation in South Africa’s informal economy.
NEASA raises concerns over draft Business Licensing bill