
With the registration deadline rapidly approaching, spaza shop owners across the country face the urgent task of ensuring their businesses are compliant. Those who fail to register in time risk potential closure, raising concerns within the informal retail sector.
The Office of the MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning issued a statement on Friday, reminding City of Tshwane residents of the rapidly approaching deadline for spaza shop registration. Authorities are urging business owners to comply in time to avoid potential penalties or closures.
According to the statement, the City of Tshwane has received approximately 4,109 spaza shop registration applications to date. Of these, 54% have been submitted by South African citizens.
It was also noted that 148 applications have been approved, while 564 are still pending, awaiting the submission of relevant documentation.
Among the 564,343 applications received, a portion submitted by foreign nationals has been approved, pending confirmation from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Additionally, 3,397 applications are still under review and awaiting approval.
In a state address held in last year ,15 November, President Cyril Ramaphosa “outlined a key compliance intervention on the regulation of spaza shops.” The president had set out a 21 day registration period where shops that did not register or did not meet the health standards and requirements would be closed.
This followed after multiple deaths of children occurred due to food-borne illnesses after consuming certain foods from the spaza shops.
Among the 564,343 applications received, a portion submitted by foreign nationals has been approved, pending confirmation from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Additionally, 3,397 applications are still under review and awaiting approval.