A customer at a spaza shop in Pretoria. The deadline for spaza shops to register with municipalities is February 28. Picture: Independent Newspapers Archives
KwaZulu-Natal municipalities are urging spaza shop owners and food-handling businesses to register to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and avoid legal repercussions.
The deadline for registration is February 28 and the push follows growing concerns over food safety, particularly after foodborne illnesses linked to spaza shops led to the deaths of children last year.
In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa directed that all food-handling businesses be registered to ensure regulatory compliance and consumer protection. The initiative aims to protect consumers from potential health risks while also formalising businesses to operate within the law.
In eThekwini, officials have received over 4 900 applications, with 408 spaza shops successfully registered. Business licensing manager Qondi Liqwa highlighted the high volume of applications and the positive response from operators last week, when she was speaking during an eThekwini Municipality podcast.
“On a daily basis, we receive on average about 60 applications,” Liqwa said.
Despite this, many businesses remain unregistered. Liqwa stressed that those found trading illegally after the deadline will be penalised.
“If you are found trading illegally, you will receive a warning to register. If you do not register, you may then receive a section 56 notice to pay a fine or to appear in court,” she said.
Msunduzi Municipality has urged spaza shop owners to complete their registration by February 28, warning that failure to comply will result in fines or other enforcement actions.
“To date, the municipality has received 853 applications for spaza shop registrations. Of those processed, licences have been issued to businesses that have met all necessary requirements and are now compliant,” it said.
To raise awareness, Msunduzi has conducted extensive communication and awareness campaigns, including blitz operations involving the SAPS, the Immigration Unit, Economic Development department, Co-operative Governance department and the Department of Labour.
“Our inspection operations will continue. Our aim is to ensure that all businesses, particularly those in the spaza shop and food-handling sectors, adhere to regulations for the safety and well-being of the community.”
The Ugu District Municipality has also reported significant progress in ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Municipal spokesperson France Zama said the district has processed 1 130 Certificates of Acceptability applications, which are being handled in accordance with health regulations.
“To assess compliance with health regulations, environmental health inspections are undertaken. Shops that do not comply receive Statutory Notices in accordance with relevant health regulations, and other enforcement agencies address their respective mandates.”
Ndwedwe Municipality has also made strides in the registration process, with 205 spaza shops submitting applications since Ramaphosa’s directive. However, only one spaza shop has obtained a Certificate of Acceptability from health authorities.
Mayor Sam Mfeka said the municipality has been conducting workshops to educate shop owners on complying with health regulations.
“Shop owners have shown a positive response. However, we have had a challenge with vetting applications from foreign nationals with Home Affairs, as we do not have an immigration official at our local office. We have resorted to requesting three months’ banking statements from foreign nationals in order to remedy this challenge,” Mfeka said.
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