Johannesburg: The government has issued a directive for spaza shop owners across the country to register their businesses within a 21-day period. This announcement follows a series of measures presented by President Cyril Ramaphosa aimed at addressing the recurring issue of food-borne illnesses, which have tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 22 children nationwide.

According to South African Government News Agency, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) released a statement on Wednesday emphasizing the importance of business registration as part of a broader strategy to prevent future outbreaks and protect children from hazardous pesticides. The President’s plan includes the immediate closure of implicated spaza shops and the introduction of stricter regulations to safeguard communities.

The government has appreciated the proactive response from various stakeholders in implementing these crucial interventions. However, it also highlighted the importance of an inclusi
ve registration process and urged the public to refrain from any actions that might impede shop owners from registering. Isolated incidents of disruptions, particularly around Soweto, have been noted and addressed by law enforcement agencies.

NATJOINTS underscored the legality of the registration process, stressing that only those who meet South African legal requirements will be permitted to operate. They also addressed concerns from the business community about the 21-day registration deadline, urging compliance within the set timeframe. The government has pledged support for business owners struggling with the registration process to ensure full compliance with the new regulations.