Spaza shops in informal dwellings to wait longer to find out if they can continue operating

JOHANNESBURG - Spaza shops operating in informal areas will have to wait longer to find out if they can continue operating.

On Wednesday, Gauteng acting Premier Lebogang Maile announced that stores located in areas that are not officially proclaimed would need to await further instruction from the Human Settlements Department.

This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa's directive in November, requiring all spaza shop owners nationwide to register their businesses by this coming Friday.

Maile said those operating in informal dwellings may need to submit additional documents along with their applications.

“Most of the outstanding documents from applications include unapproved internal floor layout plans, approved building plans, consent use as well as certificates of acceptance and fire safety. Business owners have been advised to acquire this documentation for further processing of their applications.

“Additionally, there are businesses operating from informal dwellings in areas that are not proclaimed. These must first await a director from the Department of Human Settlements.”