Spaza shops registration: Ndabeni-Abrahams to host ‘nerve centre’ briefing with provincial MECs

CAPE TOWN - Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams will host a joint “nerve centre” briefing with provincial MECs on the registration of spaza shops on Sunday afternoon.  

The briefing follows the registration drive for spazas and informal food outlets, which closed on Friday.  

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The registration drive followed the deaths of several children in 2024 after consuming contaminated products bought from spaza shops.  

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said earlier that after consultation with the president, the government resolved to extend the registration deadline for all spaza shops and other food-handling outlets to 28 February.  

It said the registration will ensure that all spaza shops meet minimum standards, regardless of their past operations. 

Government said it would also continue to implement its action plan to address the crisis of foodborne illnesses and the illicit trade of goods across the country.  

On Sunday, Ndabeni-Abrahams will lead government’s latest briefing and will be joined by MECs responsible for the economic cluster across provinces.  

The briefing will focus on the conclusion of the spaza shop and food outlet registration period as well as provide key updates on the registration process, “findings, lessons learned, and the next steps”.  

Ndabeni-Abrahams will also give details on the R500 million intervention fund aimed at supporting small businesses.