Cape Town: The South African government has called on citizens to allow spaza shop owners to register for permits without hindrance. This request comes in light of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive for all spaza shops and food-handling facilities to register with their respective municipalities. The registration is part of a broader strategy to combat recurring foodborne illnesses that have tragically resulted in child fatalities across the nation.

According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa has emphasized that the initiative aims to remove hazardous pesticides from circulation, protect children from these substances, and prevent future outbreaks. To facilitate this, the President has mandated that all relevant businesses complete their registration within 21 days.

During a media briefing, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa urged citizens not to obstruct the registration process. He acknowledged concerns regarding South Africans assisti
ng foreign nationals in registering spaza shops but stressed the importance of adhering to legal channels. Hlabisa stated that the registered owner must operate the shop, and any transfer of operational responsibility requires municipal approval.

Hlabisa also called on law enforcement agencies to manage any individuals attempting to take the law into their own hands, although he noted this should be a last resort. He assured that the 21-day registration window is adequate and encouraged owners to register promptly to avoid last-minute issues.

In addition, the government has rolled out a new standard draft by-law to simplify the permitting and registration process for township economies. This initiative, aligned with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act of 2000, aims to bolster economic inclusion, job creation, and community empowerment by fostering a supportive environment for small businesses in townships.