Cape Town – Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa says there is no need to impose a quota on the number of foreign nationals operating spaza shops, as most of these businesses are owned by South Africans, according to registration data.
During a media briefing in Pretoria, Hlabisa reported that over 19,000 spaza shops had been approved for registration, though no specific data was provided on foreign-owned businesses.
He said that many foreign nationals had chosen not to register, possibly due to challenges in meeting government requirements.
Hlabisa said that unregistered shops would likely be shut down, making a quota unnecessary.
“Definitely there will be no need to put a quota because there will be no foreign national that is meeting the requirements to run a spaza shop of a food handling outlet,” EWN quoted the minister as saying.
[WATCH] COGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has warned all South Africans who will register spaza shops on behalf of the foreign nationals. He says government officials will shut down all those spaza shops immediately, as they are not supposed to operate. pic.twitter.com/9zzwcRVUWP
— SABC News (@SABCNews) December 18, 2024
Provinces have been instructed to compile detailed figures on foreign nationals applying for and receiving approval to operate spaza shops.
The government has extended the registration deadline to February 2025, urging all spaza shop owners to comply promptly.
Hlabisa said that the registration deadline would be extended into next year, acknowledging concerns raised by stakeholders about the initial timeframe.
He said that the deadline was introduced to address the pressing need for health and safety compliance following tragic incidents of foodborne illnesses.
The decision to extend was made after careful consideration of the government’s dual commitment to supporting small businesses and ensuring public health and safety standards are upheld.
Government has extended the deadline for the registration of spaza shops and food outlets to 28 February. The announcement was made by CoGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa earlier today. Hlabisa says one of the reasons the government embarked on the process to register spaza shops… pic.twitter.com/DdE1Ywupus
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) December 18, 2024
“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.”
“Before 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,” Hlabisa added.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
