The Minister of Cogta Velenkosini Hlabisa. FIle picture
Spaza shops and food handling outlets have been granted an extension until February 28 2025 to register their businesses.
Informal businesses initially had until December 17 to register with municipalities, where they were required to meet all health standards and requirements.
The deadline was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in response to a spate of deaths throughout the country where children had died, due to suspected food borne illnesses.
Spaza shop owners complained that the 21 day notice that was given to register their businesses was too short, as the process was cumbersome.
During an inter-ministerial committee media briefing on Wednesday, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa, pointed out that more consultation was necessary, while there was still outstanding work needed to regulate this sector.
“Government understands the concerns raised by some stakeholders regarding the registration deadline for spaza shops. The initial deadline was set to address the urgent need to ensure compliance with health and safety standards following the tragic incidents of food-borne illnesses. Registration ensures that all spaza shops meet minimum standards, regardless of their past operations. Nevertheless, a lot of work was done over the 21 day registration period.”
Hlabisa indicated that a multi-disciplinary team would continue to implement the action plan to address the outbreak of food borne illnesses and the illicit trade of goods.
“The multidisciplinary enforcement teams have been on the ground conducting door-to-door compliance checks, intelligence-led operations on warehouses and supermarkets and other food handlers. Non-compliant premises have been closed and non-compliant or illegal goods, confiscated.”
He added that inspections of imported food items, medicines, drugs, and pesticides had also been intensified at ports of entry.
“The heightened surveillance at all 71 ports of entry, especially marine ports in KwaZulu-Natal including Durban, is aimed at preventing the entry of unsafe goods. Recently, 470 litres of pesticides were seized at a bonded warehouse and denied entry into the country.
“A collaborative operational plan involving SARS Customs, the Border Management Authority and the Department of Agriculture will be rolled out during the festive season. The plan will target high-risk activities and strengthen enforcement.”
He highlighted how observing the labels on food safety and the proper storage of pesticides in domestic environments was critical in reducing the risk of infections and food contamination.
Hlabisa pointed out that non-compliant businesses would be closed down immediately.
“Hence 1041 spaza shops have already been closed.”
He reminded businesses that received their acknowledgement of registration that they still needed to obtain their trading licenses.
“For this process, environmental health practitioners and other regulatory authorities will inspect their businesses to ensure that they meet all health regulations and are eligible to trade.”
Hlabisa stated that municipalities had a duty to assist businesses with the registration process over the festive season.
“We also urge business owners not to wait until the next registration deadline.”