Eve of Ramaphosa's spaza shop registration deadline
In November, President Cyril Ramaphosa instructed all spaza shops to apply for registration, following the recent rise in food-borne illnesses allegedly linked to products sold at these stores.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the country on 15 November 2024. Picture: @GovernmentZA/X
JOHANNESBURG - While Friday marks the final day for spaza shop owners to apply for business registration, they will have to wait longer to learn the outcome of their application.
Owners have been lining up, hoping to complete the registration process within the 21-day deadline.
In November, President Cyril Ramaphosa instructed all spaza shops to apply for registration, following the recent rise in food-borne illnesses allegedly linked to products sold at these stores.
The Gauteng government provided an update on the registration of the shops on Thursday.
Nearly 2,000 owners have been unable to complete their applications due to insufficient paperwork, including approved building plans and certificates of acceptability.
But for those who have successfully applied, Gauteng acting premier Lebogang Maile clarifies that this does not automatically mean their spaza shops are registered.
"It must be understood that this 21 days was for submitting applications. There is a process to process those application because when you have submitted it doesn’t mean you’re registered. For instance, if you run a food handling facility, inspectors must come and inspect and issue you with a certificate."
So far, 540 spaza shops have been shut down for non-compliance in Gauteng.