Lesufi Issues Stern Warning on Spaza Shop Registrations
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has issued a strong warning to South Africans registering spaza shops on behalf of foreign nationals, accusing them of "selling out the country." Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, Lesufi said such individuals would deeply regret their actions and face severe consequences.
"I dare those South Africans that they can abuse our kindness and sell out our country by giving other people that are not properly registered to be in our country to operate our business. They will regret the day they agreed to that arrangement," Lesufi stated.
He highlighted the importance of spaza shops as a cornerstone of economic freedom for local citizens, enabling them to earn a living. Lesufi cautioned that any attempts to bypass the system by assisting unregistered foreigners would be met with strict enforcement. "We want those that think they can go through the system and assist people who are not South Africans to try their luck. I can assure you they will regret it," he warned.
Lesufi also revealed that advanced registration systems would be employed to scrutinize business applications and ensure compliance. He assured that these systems are watertight, capable of detecting inconsistencies, including discrepancies in tax records. "We know the database, and you can't claim to have had a business in the last three years if you've never filed with the South African Revenue Service," Lesufi explained.
The Gauteng Premier's remarks come in the wake of reports about the deaths of 22 children who consumed unsafe food purchased from local shops, which has intensified scrutiny on spaza shop operations. The government has launched a registration drive across the province to ensure compliance and accountability. President Cyril Ramaphosa recently called on spaza shop owners to register their businesses within 21 days, emphasizing the need for better regulation.
Lesufi reiterated that anyone found assisting foreigners to evade the system would face serious consequences. "I challenge those that think they can betray South Africans and use their heart for freedom and abuse it by allocating responsibility to foreign sponsors. I repeat, they will regret why they've taken this particular route," he said.
The Gauteng provincial government has also promised rigorous inspections to ensure that spaza shops comply with safety and registration requirements. Authorities aim to prevent incidents like the recent food safety concerns and improve local economic participation. Lesufi's firm stance signals a broader effort to tighten regulation and prioritize local citizens in the small business sector.
"I dare those South Africans that they can abuse our kindness and sell out our country by giving other people that are not properly registered to be in our country to operate our business. They will regret the day they agreed to that arrangement," Lesufi stated.
He highlighted the importance of spaza shops as a cornerstone of economic freedom for local citizens, enabling them to earn a living. Lesufi cautioned that any attempts to bypass the system by assisting unregistered foreigners would be met with strict enforcement. "We want those that think they can go through the system and assist people who are not South Africans to try their luck. I can assure you they will regret it," he warned.
Lesufi also revealed that advanced registration systems would be employed to scrutinize business applications and ensure compliance. He assured that these systems are watertight, capable of detecting inconsistencies, including discrepancies in tax records. "We know the database, and you can't claim to have had a business in the last three years if you've never filed with the South African Revenue Service," Lesufi explained.
The Gauteng Premier's remarks come in the wake of reports about the deaths of 22 children who consumed unsafe food purchased from local shops, which has intensified scrutiny on spaza shop operations. The government has launched a registration drive across the province to ensure compliance and accountability. President Cyril Ramaphosa recently called on spaza shop owners to register their businesses within 21 days, emphasizing the need for better regulation.
Lesufi reiterated that anyone found assisting foreigners to evade the system would face serious consequences. "I challenge those that think they can betray South Africans and use their heart for freedom and abuse it by allocating responsibility to foreign sponsors. I repeat, they will regret why they've taken this particular route," he said.
The Gauteng provincial government has also promised rigorous inspections to ensure that spaza shops comply with safety and registration requirements. Authorities aim to prevent incidents like the recent food safety concerns and improve local economic participation. Lesufi's firm stance signals a broader effort to tighten regulation and prioritize local citizens in the small business sector.
