> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.visita.co.za/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Directory

> Find businesses, government offices, and services near you

# Directory

Search 60,000+ verified businesses and government entities across South Africa.

## Accessing the Directory

Visit `visita.co.za/directory` or use the search bar on any page.

## What's in the Directory?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Businesses" icon="store">
    Shops, restaurants, services, professionals
  </Card>

  <Card title="Government" icon="building-columns">
    Police stations, clinics, schools, offices
  </Card>

  <Card title="Community" icon="people-group">
    Churches, NGOs, community centers
  </Card>

  <Card title="Utilities" icon="bolt">
    Electricity, water, emergency services
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Searching

### Basic Search

Type what you're looking for in the search bar:

* "Clinic near ward 26"
* "Plumber Durban"
* "SAPS"

### Filters

| Filter       | Options                                  |
| ------------ | ---------------------------------------- |
| **Category** | Food, Health, Services, Government, etc. |
| **Type**     | Business or Government                   |
| **Ward**     | Filter to your local area                |
| **Distance** | Nearby, 5km, 10km, Any                   |

## Listing Details

Each listing shows:

* **Name and category**
* **Address** (with map)
* **Contact** — Phone, email, website
* **Hours** — When they're open
* **Description** — What they offer

## Ward-Based Discovery

On your ward page, the **Directory** section shows:

* Businesses and services in your ward
* Government offices serving your area
* Nearby essential services (hospitals, police)

## For Business Owners

### Claim Your Listing

If your business is in our directory:

1. Find your listing
2. Click "Claim This Business"
3. Verify ownership (phone verification)
4. Manage your listing

### Update Information

After claiming:

* Edit contact details
* Update hours
* Add photos
* Respond to questions

### Link to Seller Dashboard

Connect your directory listing to your Visita store:

1. Go to `/seller/store`
2. Click "Link Directory Listing"
3. Search for your business
4. Verify and connect

## Data Sources

Our directory combines:

* **Google Places** — Verified business data
* **Government databases** — Official institution listings
* **User contributions** — Community-submitted additions

<Info>
  See an error? Click "Suggest Edit" on any listing to request a correction.
</Info>

## API Access

Developers can access directory data via our [Directory API](/api/directory).