In Conversation with Kgothatso Ramautswa - The South African Spaza-Shops Association (SASSA) has expressed concern over
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The association has noted that the registration process
has been challenging for many small, informal retail shops,
particularly due to delays in key government departments.
The association has received reports from members in
both urban and rural areas that the registration process
has been hampered by these delays.
The association urges the government to consider
extending the registration deadline to allow more time to
address administrative bottlenecks and ensure all spaza
shop owners meet legal and health requirements without
undue hardship. SASSA remains committed to working
with the government to enhance food safety and
compliance, while advocating for the support and growth
of the informal sector and its formalization.
Hundreds of Soweto spaza shop owners scrambled on Friday to
complete their registration as the government’s deadline came
to a close. This follows the implementation of stricter regulations
in 2024, aimed at improving compliance within the sector after
the tragic deaths of 21 children allegedly linked to contaminated
snacks purchased from informal retailers. Despite having five
months to comply, many business owners rushed to the
Jabulani Civic Centre in a last-minute attempt to secure the
necessary permits, with some unaware of the full requirements,
including associated fees and documentation.
Business owners have expressed frustration over bureaucratic
hurdles, with some struggling to obtain essential documents
such as zoning certificates. Spaza shop owner Mohammed Neo
highlighted difficulties in accessing the required paperwork,
stating that local offices redirected applicants elsewhere, adding
to delays. Meanwhile, the government has maintained its firm
stance, confirming that no further extensions will be granted for
the registration process, meaning unregistered shops risk
closure if they fail to comply.
has been challenging for many small, informal retail shops,
particularly due to delays in key government departments.
The association has received reports from members in
both urban and rural areas that the registration process
has been hampered by these delays.
The association urges the government to consider
extending the registration deadline to allow more time to
address administrative bottlenecks and ensure all spaza
shop owners meet legal and health requirements without
undue hardship. SASSA remains committed to working
with the government to enhance food safety and
compliance, while advocating for the support and growth
of the informal sector and its formalization.
Hundreds of Soweto spaza shop owners scrambled on Friday to
complete their registration as the government’s deadline came
to a close. This follows the implementation of stricter regulations
in 2024, aimed at improving compliance within the sector after
the tragic deaths of 21 children allegedly linked to contaminated
snacks purchased from informal retailers. Despite having five
months to comply, many business owners rushed to the
Jabulani Civic Centre in a last-minute attempt to secure the
necessary permits, with some unaware of the full requirements,
including associated fees and documentation.
Business owners have expressed frustration over bureaucratic
hurdles, with some struggling to obtain essential documents
such as zoning certificates. Spaza shop owner Mohammed Neo
highlighted difficulties in accessing the required paperwork,
stating that local offices redirected applicants elsewhere, adding
to delays. Meanwhile, the government has maintained its firm
stance, confirming that no further extensions will be granted for
the registration process, meaning unregistered shops risk
closure if they fail to comply.
