The registration of spaza shops in the Musina and Makhado municipalities is reportedly progressing well, following a nationwide directive issued by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The registration process has gained momentum as municipalities intensify efforts to enforce compliance. This follows incidents of food poisoning that left several learners ill and, tragically, claimed lives. Many of these deaths have been linked to contaminated food purchased at unregulated spaza shops.
Musina Municipality spokesperson Wilson Dzebu said the process had been successful so far. However, he noted: "I cannot quantify the number of foreign nationals or locals who have registered at this stage." He added that the number of foreign nationals and locals registering appeared balanced. Foreign nationals with valid legal documents, including work permits, are allowed to register their businesses.
In his address to the nation on 15 November, President Ramaphosa gave spaza shop owners 21 days to register their businesses. Beyond the deadline, unregistered shops will be closed. Musina Municipality echoed this directive, urging compliance from all shop owners.
Regarding informal traders operating along roads such as the N1, Dzebu clarified: "They also need permits and must operate in designated areas."
Meanwhile, in Makhado Municipality, spaza shop owners have been encouraged to meet the necessary requirements for registration. To date, 15 local businesses have renewed their licences, and two new applications have been received. However, no foreign-owned businesses have registered or renewed their licences yet.
"The municipality will conduct joint operations with district health inspectors, the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the Department of Home Affairs to enforce compliance," said Mpho Rathando, spokesperson for Makhado Municipality.
He added that efforts to encourage registration included community-outreach initiatives such as imbizo platforms, business-site visits, and engagements with traditional councils and business forums.