By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The government has extended the registration deadline for spaza shops and other food handling shops to 28 February 2025.
The announcement was made during the multidisciplinary teams media briefing.
The ministerial team assured that the shortage of environmental health inspectors was receiving urgent attention, as government tried to capacitate all districts and metropolitan municipalities to effectively enforce inspections across the country.
Government has expressed concerns about surfacing allegations that suggest that some South Africans are assisting illegal foreign nationals to fraudulently comply with the requirements for business registration.
It also appealed to the members of the public not to disturb the process of registration by blocking certain shop owners from participating in the process, this included conducting unlawful inspections by members of the public, and other unauthorised bodies.
Lawful joint inspections are ongoing across the country, led by multi-disciplinary teams comprising experts and officials from various government departments, State bodies and law enforcement agencies.
The inspections include the food value chain from manufacturing, wholesale and transport, and the retail sector to monitor and enforce norms and standards for food safety.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini said, in consultation with the president, the government has resolved to extend the registration deadline for all spaza shops and other food-handling outlets to 28 February 2025,” said Hlabisa.
The initial deadline was December 17.
“The government understands the concerns raised by some stakeholders regarding the registration deadline for spaza shops. However, it must be noted that the initial deadline was set to address the urgent need to ensure compliance with health and safety standards following the tragic incidents of foodborne illnesses.”
He said registration would ensure that all spaza shops met the minimum standards, regardless of their past operations.
“In considering whether or not to extend the registration deadline, the government considers its commitment to supporting small businesses, prioritising health and safety, ensuring inclusivity and fairness, and maintaining its integrity.”
Hlabisa said a lot of work was done over the 21-day registration period, with 42 915 applications received between 15 November and Tuesday. Of those, 19 385 have been approved.
Municipalities must still reserve capacity to assist those registering during the holiday period.
“We also urge business owners to continue with their registration process within their respective municipalities and not wait until the next registration deadline,” said Hlabisa.
Hlabisa emphasised that registering a shop or facility was not the end of the process.
“We need to explain that we are dealing with two distinct processes. The first process is business compliance, where you need to register the spaza shops or any food-handling business.
“The second process is compliance with health regulations. This process does not depend on whether you are registered or not. If you don’t comply with the healthegulations, the business is closed down immediately,” he explained.
He pointed out that 1 041 spaza shops have already been closed for noncompliance with the regulations.
“We are aware of some who have encountered obstacles not of their own making, preventing them from complying with the 21-day registration period. We would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have taken the time to register their businesses.
Since 15 November, 42 915 applications have been filed to operate spaza shops and food handling outlets. Of these, 19 386 were approved while 1 041 businesses were forced to close.
Deputy national commissioner responsible for policing, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, said 41 deaths from food-borne illnesses had been reported this year, 38 of them children. Thirty-two cases had been opened to investigate food-borne illnesses, she added.
Mosikili said three people had been arrested and prosecuted for poisoning-related matters prior to the September to November period, and these cases were still under investigation.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi told journalists that the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development was also investigating the origins of the organophosphate Terbufos — the pesticide identified as the cause of the deaths of six children in Naledi, Soweto.
“Out of the five manufacturers of this organophosphate called Terbufos, which they have inspected and tested … there is the conclusion that it must be coming from outside the country, because it was not similar to the one that is manufactured by the five companies, “Motsoaledi said.