Have Your Say: City Proposes New Mobile Business Trading Policy

The City of Cape Town has launched a public participation process on its proposed Mobile Business Trading Area (MBTA) framework, offering local businesses, operators, and residents an opportunity to shape how mobile enterprises are regulated across the metro.  

Under the draft initiative, which aligns with the City’s Informal Trading By-law and Integrated Development Plan (IDP), designated trading bays will be established on city-owned property to accommodate mobile operations such as food trucks, coffee trailers, and mobile saunas. The structured policy aims to create an enabling, well-managed environment that balances small-business opportunities with the interests of surrounding formal businesses and local communities.  

How to Submit Comments & Expressions of Interest Public input is officially open until 15 November 2026. Stakeholders and interested parties can submit written comments, recommendations, or objections via email (public.trading@capetown.gov.za), through the City’s online portal (www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay), or by visiting local Subcouncil offices. Open Day sessions are also taking place across various subcouncils between 26 October and 5 November.  Or click HERE.

Additionally, mobile business operators who wish to trade in these proposed locations are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by 15 November 2026 to help gauge demand and allocate future permits.