Government has extended the deadline for the registration of spaza shops and other food-handling outlets to 28 February 2025.
The business owners were required to register by yesterday, following a 21-day deadline set by President Cyril Ramaphosa previously.
The announcement was made by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, during a media briefing in Pretoria.
“In consultation with the President, therefore, the government has resolved to extend the registration deadline for all Spaza Shops and other food-handling outlets to 28 February 2025.
Prior to the revised deadline of 28 February 2025, the 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,” said Hlabisa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa imposed a deadline following the deaths of more than 20 children, mostly in Gauteng, due to food-borne illnesses after consuming snacks bought from some spaza shops.
The minister said the extension was necessitated by concerns from stakeholders regarding the 21-day deadline.
This as some complaint about the short period availed and the queues at the registration centres amongst others.
“The government understands the concerns raised by some stakeholders regarding the registration deadline for spaza shops.
However, it must be noted that the initial deadline was set to address the urgent need to ensure compliance with health and safety standards following the tragic incidents of food-borne illnesses.
Registration ensures that all spaza shops meet minimum standards, regardless of their past operations.
In considering whether or not to extend the registration deadline, the government considers its commitment to supporting small businesses, prioritising health and safety, ensuring inclusivity and fairness, and maintaining its integrity,” explained Hlabisa.
A total of 42 915 applications were received, and 19 385 of them have been approved.
Hlabisa however said those who have registered their businesses and received their acknowledgement of registration still need to undertake a further process to obtain their trading licences.
“For this process, Environmental Health Practitioners and other regulatory authorities will still inspect owners of registered food-related trading businesses to ensure that their businesses are eligible to trade,” warned Hlabisa.
Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs Albert Matsaung has warned about the legal implications of assisting illegal foreigners to register spaza shops, referencing Section 42 of the Immigration Act.
“No one should assist.
No one should provide any kind of support, either be it in the form of providing immovable property, which in this case is the garages or houses where these spaza shops are being run.
It means that it becomes a serious offence, criminally and in terms of the Immigration Act,” cautioned Matsaung.
He stressed that anyone who assists a foreigner who does not deserve to participate in this process will be prosecuted.
