Maile Vows Government Crackdown on Unregistered Spaza Shops
Gauteng Finance MEC Lebogang Maile has announced a strict inspection plan targeting spaza shops across the province, warning of severe consequences for South Africans aiding undocumented foreigners in registering businesses.
This comes amid reports that locals are registering spaza shops on behalf of undocumented foreigners in exchange for money or allowing them to operate businesses on their property without proper documentation.
Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Maile outlined the provincial government's efforts to support spaza shop owners in meeting legal and health standards. This initiative follows President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent directive requiring all spaza shops and food-handling facilities to register their businesses within 21 days or face closure.
The registration push aims to address recurring food-borne illnesses that have claimed the lives of at least 22 children in South Africa in recent months. Maile emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring compliance, despite capacity challenges:
"We will visit every part of our province... whether we will be able to get into every door of spaza shops, but we will be everywhere like holy spirit," he said.
The government plans to deploy building inspectors and environmental health officers to monitor compliance. Police visibility at registration sites has also been requested to address concerns about unregistered spaza shops operated by foreign nationals.
Maile stressed that foreign nationals must provide valid documentation, such as business visas or work permits, to operate legally. Under South African law, business visas require a minimum capital contribution of R5 million or a viable business plan with evidence of such investment.
While some business owners have raised concerns about the 21-day deadline, Maile urged them to begin the registration process immediately.
"The 21 days was as outlined by Ramaphosa, and I cannot say anything beyond that," he added.
Registration points have been set up at various municipalities, including the City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane, Mogale City, Rand West, City of Ekurhuleni, Emfuleni, and Lesedi Local Municipality.
The government's actions come amidst growing public outcry over unregulated businesses, with many citizens blaming lax enforcement for food safety issues and fatalities.
This comes amid reports that locals are registering spaza shops on behalf of undocumented foreigners in exchange for money or allowing them to operate businesses on their property without proper documentation.
Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Maile outlined the provincial government's efforts to support spaza shop owners in meeting legal and health standards. This initiative follows President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent directive requiring all spaza shops and food-handling facilities to register their businesses within 21 days or face closure.
The registration push aims to address recurring food-borne illnesses that have claimed the lives of at least 22 children in South Africa in recent months. Maile emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring compliance, despite capacity challenges:
"We will visit every part of our province... whether we will be able to get into every door of spaza shops, but we will be everywhere like holy spirit," he said.
The government plans to deploy building inspectors and environmental health officers to monitor compliance. Police visibility at registration sites has also been requested to address concerns about unregistered spaza shops operated by foreign nationals.
Maile stressed that foreign nationals must provide valid documentation, such as business visas or work permits, to operate legally. Under South African law, business visas require a minimum capital contribution of R5 million or a viable business plan with evidence of such investment.
While some business owners have raised concerns about the 21-day deadline, Maile urged them to begin the registration process immediately.
"The 21 days was as outlined by Ramaphosa, and I cannot say anything beyond that," he added.
Registration points have been set up at various municipalities, including the City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane, Mogale City, Rand West, City of Ekurhuleni, Emfuleni, and Lesedi Local Municipality.
The government's actions come amidst growing public outcry over unregulated businesses, with many citizens blaming lax enforcement for food safety issues and fatalities.
