Some spaza shop owners in Durban have raised concerns about meeting the 21-day deadline to register their businesses, describing the process as lengthy and burdensome. The registration requirement, announced by Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, expires next Tuesday as directed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The measure is part of the government’s response to a recent surge in suspected food poisoning cases linked to items purchased at spaza shops, which have tragically claimed the lives of over 20 children.
One shop owner voiced frustration, saying, “The process is too long and stressful. There are too many documents required, and the 21 days is too short. I live in an area ruled by a traditional leader, so obtaining proof of residence is a challenge. They need to extend the deadline.”
Another owner expressed concerns about losing their livelihood, stating, “I run a fruit and vegetable business in a container, but due to demarcation issues, I need to relocate to a municipality-approved area. I don’t have the money or resources to do so.”
The Ethekwini Municipality has launched a campaign to ensure compliance in the spaza shop industry, which contributes approximately R55 billion to the metro's GDP and employs over 260,000 people. A registration blitz was held in Umlazi this week, where locals were cautioned against registering businesses on behalf of foreign nationals.
Meanwhile, in Gauteng, Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile revealed that of the 13,600 registration forms distributed to spaza shops, only 4,500 had been returned by Tuesday. During the same period, 541 spaza shops were shut down for non-compliance.
The government’s push for regulation has left many shop owners calling for an extension of the deadline to avoid losing their businesses and primary sources of income.