Gauteng is taking significant steps to address foodborne illnesses that have been linked to spaza shops across the province. In response to growing concerns over public health, the provincial government, under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa, has outlined new measures aimed at improving food safety and ensuring business compliance within local communities.
On November 19, Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC, Lebogang Maile, addressed the media, unveiling the government’s strategy to support spaza shop owners in adhering to required business standards. This initiative follows President Ramaphosa’s 21-day compliance directive, which seeks to formalize the spaza shop sector. Maile also relaunched the Qondis’ Ishishini Lakho campaign, a comprehensive program aimed at addressing illegal practices in the township economy. This initiative promotes a development-focused approach to compliance, covering essential aspects such as permits, health regulations, and zoning requirements.
A significant challenge facing the sector is non-compliant infrastructure. Maile highlighted that many spaza shop structures fail to meet essential building codes, zoning rights, and environmental health standards. In response, municipalities will deploy a team of inspectors, including building and fire inspectors, environmental health officers, and local economic development officers, to ensure that all spaza shops comply with the required standards.
The government has simplified the registration process to reduce bureaucracy while still maintaining rigorous compliance standards. Maile outlined the necessary steps for registration, which include submitting a completed application form, providing proof of identity, residence, business registration, and ownership of premises, as well as obtaining zoning and environmental health certificates. For foreign nationals, valid documentation from the Department of Home Affairs is required, along with a business visa or work permit. Additionally, foreign investors must contribute R5 million to an existing business or submit a detailed business plan outlining this capital investment. These efforts are designed to formalize the township economy, ensuring better health and safety standards for consumers.
