The Association of Informal Businesses Sector of South Africa (AIBSSA) has expressed its approval of the government's decision to extend the deadline for the registration of spaza shops to 28 February 2025. This announcement was made by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Velenkosini Hlabisa, during a media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday.
Hlabisa's presentation not only revealed the new deadline but also included crucial updates regarding the registration process of spaza shops, which has become an essential aspect of the government's initiative to address escalating concerns over foodborne illnesses linked to these establishments. This extension comes in the wake of a foodborne illness crisis that, since September, has resulted in over 890 reported cases and nearly 30 fatalities.
The initial 21-day registration period, which concluded on December 17, saw 42 915 applications submitted, with 19 385 of these receiving approval. President Cyril Ramaphosa previously announced this registration was part of a broader strategy to manage the rising incidents of foodborne illnesses, which have raised alarm across various communities in the nation. As part of the government's firm stance on health safety, Hlabisa noted that 1,041 non-compliant spaza shops had already been shut down.
“Before the revised deadline of 28 February 2025, government in all its spheres will continue to implement the action plan to address the crisis of foodborne illnesses and the illicit trade of goods across the country,” Hlabisa stated, reflecting a commitment to improving public health standards and enhancing the accountability of food retailers.
Hlabisa's comments came alongside the AIBSSA's reaction to the deadline extension. Gershon Mosiane, representing the association, welcomed the decision, stating, “As a sector, we are encouraged by government’s response to have acceded to the request for an extension, as the 21-day deadline was not sufficient time to comply with the set registration requirements that are challenging and require multiple steps and resources.”
Additionally, the Minister addressed concerns regarding foreign nationals operating spaza shops, clarifying that no restrictions on their numbers would be imposed at this time. It was reported that the majority of registered spaza shops are owned and operated by South Africans, though previous incidents suggested that some locals were registering businesses on behalf of foreign nationals.
In light of these developments, Mosiane called for the government to extend its support and inclusivity throughout the registration process to ensure fairness for all business owners. He said, “We hope that the government's intent on being committed to ensuring support, inclusivity, fairness and integrity in this registration process throughout various municipalities will be evident to all businesses who will undergo the registration process.”
Furthermore, Mosiane urged South Africans to not hinder foreign nationals who wish to register their businesses, emphasising their potential contribution to community support and economic activity. “Attributing the issue of foodborne illnesses to foreign nationals exacerbates a false narrative that seeks to divide and not unify our nation,” he remarked, highlighting the necessity of community cohesion during this critical period.
Saturday Star