The government has extended the registration deadline for spaza shops and other food-handling outlets to February 28, 2025. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa announced the extension on Wednesday.
The initial 21-day registration period, which ended on December 17, 2024, saw 42,915 applications submitted, with 19,385 approvals. President Cyril Ramaphosa introduced the registration requirement last month to address a surge in foodborne illnesses and related deaths linked to spaza and tuck shops.
More than 890 cases of foodborne illnesses have been recorded since September, resulting in nearly 30 deaths. Authorities have closed 1,041 non-compliant shops to curb the crisis.
Hlabisa said that in the lead-up to the new deadline, government efforts will continue to address foodborne illnesses and combat the illicit trade of goods.
Registered businesses must still obtain trading licences, a process requiring inspections by environmental health practitioners and other regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with health standards and municipal by-laws.
Hlabisa stated that non-compliant businesses would be shut down immediately, regardless of registration status. Municipalities have been urged to maintain capacity to assist business owners during the holiday season.
Fifteen health experts have been appointed to a Ministerial Advisory Committee to develop long-term strategies for preventing foodborne illnesses.
The government has also intensified inspections at ports of entry, seizing 470 litres of illegal pesticides and increasing checks on imported food, medicines, and chemicals.
The Department of Home Affairs warned against assisting undocumented foreigners in registering spaza shops. Albert Matsaung, representing the department, referenced Section 42 of the Immigration Act, cautioning that providing support, such as property for illegal spaza shops, is a prosecutable offence.
