The South African government has officially extended the Spaza Shop Registration Deadline for all food-handling businesses, including spaza shops, to 28 February 2025. This decision comes after concerns about public safety following foodborne illnesses linked to contaminated products purchased from informal traders.
The extension of the Spaza Shop Registration Deadline aims to ensure all businesses meet critical health and safety standards while giving owners sufficient time to comply with regulations.
Why the Spaza Shop Registration Deadline Was Extended
In the wake of a food safety crisis, President Cyril Ramaphosa mandated that all spaza shops and other food-handling outlets register with their municipalities within 21 days. While this initial deadline passed on Tuesday, the government recognized that many businesses faced challenges in meeting it.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa stated, “The extension of the Spaza Shop Registration Deadline reflects the government’s understanding of the obstacles faced by small businesses. However, it is critical that all spaza shops adhere to health regulations to protect public health.”
Related: Take Ownership! How to Register Your Own Spaza Shop in South African Townships
Two-Part Compliance Process
Minister Hlabisa outlined two essential steps for spaza shop compliance, explaining that registration alone is not enough.
- Business Registration: All spaza shops must register with their respective municipalities by the Spaza Shop Registration Deadline.
- Health Compliance: Businesses must adhere to health and safety regulations outlined in municipal by-laws. Failure to comply will result in immediate closure, regardless of registration status.
To date, over 1,041 spaza shops have been shut down due to non-compliance with health standards.
Supporting Businesses While Prioritizing Safety
The government acknowledges the vital role that spaza shops play in supporting local economies and providing essential goods to communities. Extending the Spaza Shop Registration Deadline ensures that businesses are given a fair opportunity to meet compliance standards.
“While the deadline extension helps spaza shops align with regulations, we cannot compromise on public safety,” said Minister Hlabisa. “Business owners must act promptly to register and meet health standards.”
Actions by the Government
The extension of the Spaza Shop Registration Deadline is part of a broader government initiative to address foodborne illness outbreaks and strengthen regulatory frameworks. Measures include:
- Compliance Checks: Door-to-door inspections of spaza shops, supermarkets, and warehouses to ensure adherence to health regulations.
- Closure of Non-Compliant Businesses: Immediate action against businesses failing to meet standards.
- Port Inspections: Enhanced surveillance at all 71 ports of entry to prevent unsafe goods from entering the country.
Minister Hlabisa also warned against fronting, where South Africans register businesses in their names on behalf of foreign nationals. Such practices will result in immediate closure of the business.
Steps for Business Owners
With the Spaza Shop Registration Deadline now extended, spaza shop owners must focus on completing these steps:
- Register with Your Municipality: Ensure your business is formally registered by visiting your local municipality offices.
- Meet Health Compliance Standards: Address all health regulations and municipal by-law requirements to avoid closures or fines.
- Avoid Last-Minute Rush: Do not wait until February 2025 to begin the process. Register and comply as soon as possible.
Municipalities will remain open during the holiday period to assist business owners with registration and compliance.
Importance of Meeting the Spaza Shop Registration Deadline
The Spaza Shop Registration Deadline is not just an administrative step; it is a commitment to ensuring safer food practices in communities. Spaza shop owners who ignore the deadline risk losing their businesses and damaging public trust.
Minister Hlabisa explained, “Businesses that comply with the Spaza Shop Registration Deadline contribute to protecting public health and ensuring their operations are sustainable.”
Government’s Commitment to Public Health
In addition to enforcing the Spaza Shop Registration Deadline, the government has implemented further measures to prevent foodborne illnesses. A ministerial advisory committee, including 15 health experts, has been tasked with developing long-term strategies for food safety.
Efforts by multidisciplinary teams include:
- Conducting intelligence-led operations to identify non-compliant businesses.
- Confiscating illegal goods and unsafe food products.
- Seizing harmful substances such as pesticides found at bonded warehouses.
Warning Against Non-Compliance
The government has issued a stern warning to business owners who fail to meet the Spaza Shop Registration Deadline. Minister Hlabisa emphasized that businesses must comply with both registration and health regulations. “We thank those who have registered their businesses. However, we caution those who have ignored the directive that they will face enforcement measures,” he said.
Final Call to Spaza Shop Owners
The extension of the Spaza Shop Registration Deadline provides a valuable opportunity for business owners to comply with regulations and continue operating legally. While the government supports small enterprises, the health and safety of communities remain a top priority.
Spaza shop owners are urged to act now and avoid waiting until the last moment. As Minister Hlabisa concluded, “The Spaza Shop Registration Deadline is more than a formality—it is a step towards building safer and healthier communities.”
