Hlabisa warns that another deadline extension for spaza shop registrations unlikely

CAPE TOWN - The clock is ticking and time is running out for spaza shops and food handling establishments to ensure they are registered.
 
An extended deadline for registration has been set for the end of February.
 
In November, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that food-handling establishments would be shut down if they did not register with municipalities.
 
It's part of government's response to hundreds of cases of food contamination across the country last year, tragically highlighted by the deaths of at least 23 children.
 
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has warned that another deadline extension is unlikely.

"We are now counting down the days to a deadline. We want to encourage every person interested in this business not to postpone any further. It will be almost impossible to get another postponement," the minister said.