The government has introduced clear steps for spaza shop owners and food vendors in rural and township areas to register their businesses.
President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the urgency of this directive, giving a 21-day deadline for compliance.
This initiative is part of efforts to address foodborne illnesses, which have tragically claimed 22 lives, including those of children. The goal is to ensure better regulation of food safety practices and eliminate the use of hazardous pesticides, often sold unchecked.
Ramaphosa stressed the importance of protecting public health and preventing future outbreaks by regulating these small businesses. Authorities aim to create safer environments for food handling and safeguard vulnerable communities, particularly children, from exposure to toxic substances.
Small business owners can follow these steps to ensure they comply with government regulations:
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Registration for trading permits for spaza shop owners and vendors is done in municipality offices or designated sites that the municipalities will communicate to residents.
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All spaza shop owners and vendors must register with their respective municipalities from 15 November to 13 December 2024.
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Application forms for registration or permits to conduct business can be accessed physically at the municipal offices or on the municipality website.
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The completed application form is to be received only by the municipal manager or a delegated official within a municipality.
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The completed permit application should contain the business owner’s full name, surname, gender, and disability status.
Other details that must be included in the application for a trading permit are:
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the identity number of the business owner;
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the physical and postal address of the business concerned;
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location where the business will be operated;
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the description of the goods or services that the business will be selling or providing to the community;
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the citizenship status of the applicants andthe passport number, section 22 asylum seeker permit, section 24 refugee permit, and a valid visa allowing foreign nationals to be in the Republic to work or conduct business.
6. The applicant must provide an affidavit stating that he/she is not engaged in the trade of illegal goods, as defined in this by-law and that his/her business will operate according to the applicable norms and standards.
7. The municipality may conduct background checks on applicants, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, to verify the legality of their business activities.
8. After the application has satisfied all the conditions stated by the municipality, the business owner will be issued a registration card or permit that must be always displayed and be available for inspection.
Residents will be informed about how to report illegal business activities and the appeal process. The government stated that helping an undocumented foreigner conduct business or obtain a business license is a criminal offense under South African law.
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