Essential Services Business Permit
An Essential Services Business Permit is mandatory for businesses that need to stay open during lockdown. Specifically, the President of South Africa declared a National Lockdown from 26th March 2020 until 30th April 2020. Consequently, only businesses that provide essential services are allowed to open and trade. These businesses must apply for a permit to operate legally. Moreover, supplying incorrect information constitutes a criminal offense and may lead to prosecution.
Furthermore, all enterprises operating within the borders of the Republic of South Africa are expected to remain closed during the lockdown period. However, enterprises that produce, provide, or distribute goods and services listed in the regulation issued under the Disaster Management Act are exempt from these restrictions. In addition, businesses must ensure they operate with only the absolute minimum staff necessary to maintain safe operations.
Goods:
- Food-
- Any food product, including non-alcoholic beverages;
- Animal food; and
- Chemicals, packaging and ancillary products used in the production of any food product.
- Cleaning and Hygiene Products-
- Toilet paper, sanitary pads, sanitary tampons, and condoms;
- Hand sanitizer, disinfectants, soap, alcohol for industrial use, household cleaning products, and personal protective products; and
- Chemicals, packaging and ancillary products used in the production of any of the above.
- Medical-
- Medical and hospital supplies, equipment and personal protective equipment; and
- Chemicals, packaging and ancillary products used in the production of any of the above.
- Fuel, including coal and gas.
- Basic goods, including airtime and electricity.
Categories of essential services shall be confined to the following services:
Healthcare and Medical Services
Medical, health (including mental health), laboratory, and medical services;
Production and sale of chemicals, hygiene products, and pharmaceuticals for the medical or retail sector;
Emergency and Safety Services
Disaster management, fire prevention, firefighting, and emergency services;
Police, peace officers, traffic officers, military medical personnel, soldiers, correctional services officials, and traffic management services;
Private security services;
Financial and Economic Services
Financial services necessary to maintain the functioning of the banking and payments environment, including the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and similar exchanges, as well as insurance services;
Essential SARS services as defined by the Commissioner of SARS;
Retail and Food Supply
Grocery stores, including spaza shops;
Production and sale of essential goods listed in point 1;
Utilities and Infrastructure
Electricity, water, gas, and fuel production, supply, and maintenance;
Newspaper, broadcasting, and telecommunication infrastructure and services;
Government and Administrative Services
Critical roles for essential government services as determined by national or provincial departments in line with Department of Public Service and Administration guidelines;
Birth and death certificates, and replacement identification documents;
Services rendered by executive members, Parliament, provincial legislatures, municipal councils, judiciary, and traditional leaders;
Municipal and Social Services
Essential municipal services;
Care services and social relief for older persons, the mentally ill, persons with disabilities, the sick, and children;
Funeral and Welfare Services
Funeral services, including mortuaries;
Environmental and Animal Services
Wildlife management, anti-poaching, animal care, and veterinary services;
Cleaning and Waste Management
Cleaning, sanitation, sewerage, waste, and refuse removal services;
Legal and Judicial Services
Services required for courts, judicial officers, the Master of the High Court, sheriffs, and legal practitioners;
Transport and Logistics
Postal and courier services related to medical products;
Air-traffic navigation, civil aviation authority, cargo shipping, and dockyard services;
Transport services for essential workers, goods, and patients;
Transport and logistics of essential goods to neighbouring countries;
Mining and Industrial Services
Gold mining, gold refining, coal mining, and other essential mining activities;
Accommodation and Support Services
Accommodation for persons rendering essential services, including quarantine and isolation facilities;
Manufacturing and Supply Chain
Production, manufacturing, supply, logistics, transport, delivery, maintenance, and repair related to essential services, including components and equipment;
Chapter 9 and Oversight Institutions
Commissioners of the South African Human Rights Commission;
Gender Commission;
Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities;
Public Protector and Deputy Public Protector;
Additionally, contact us for assistance with applying for an Essential Services Business Permit, at the cost of R1,250.00.
