The City of Johannesburg's Department of Economic Development (DED) has welcomed the launch of the National Red Tape Reduction and Ease of Doing Business Campaign, spearheaded by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) in partnership with the City of Johannesburg, the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA).
The campaign was officially launched at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in Sandton on Monday, 29 June 2026. The initiative forms part of a broader effort to create a more enabling business environment, improve regulatory efficiency, stimulate investment, and unlock opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation.
Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni said the campaign is not about deregulation, but about ensuring that regulations work for people and businesses.
“Our objective is not to promote deregulation, but to ensure that regulations enable entrepreneurs to participate meaningfully in the economy, protect consumers, promote fair competition, and strengthen confidence in our economic system," said Ndabeni.
DED's Amukelani Kubayi said the initiative would significantly strengthen Johannesburg's investment proposition. “The important element investors look for when making an investment decision is ease of doing business. The Red Tape Reduction and Ease of Doing Business Campaign will enhance South Africa's competitiveness globally and will contribute to increased investment in South Africa and the City of Johannesburg," she said.
Chief Executive Officer of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange Valdene Reddy, who reaffirmed its commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises as key drivers of economic growth, said: “Entrepreneurs should be spending their time building businesses and creating jobs rather than navigating unnecessary complexity. Better regulation improves productivity when it is efficient, proportionate, and enables businesses to thrive."
President of South African Local Government Association Bheke Stofile welcomed the campaign. “Ending red tape will help unlock the value of investment in our communities. Government must operate as a single, coordinated unit, ensuring that entrepreneurs spend less time moving from one office to another and more time growing their businesses. Local government stands ready to work with all stakeholders to create one-stop centres that simplify access to services and opportunities."
Written by Zingiswa Mndayi
30/06/2026
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