NHLAZATSHE – The recent extension of the registration of spaza shops has received a warm welcome by owners who are still battling with the process.
The registration drive began on 15 November and was due to be complete on 17 December. However, the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditonal Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, announced that the deadline has been extended to 28 February next year.
This was initiated following a series of widespread cases of food poisoning, suspected to be caused by contaminated products sold at spaza shops. It has been instituted as one of the measures to keep record of businesses in townships and to ensure compliance.
The owner of Lion Roy tuck shop, Daniel Mandaro was excited to have undergone the process.
“It was very quick and easy. I have received my temporary receipt of registration from the municipality and will receive the permit when I handover my shop plan soon,” he said.
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According to Mandaro, registering his business with the municipality was not difficult or expensive. The only challenge was the amount required for the drafting of the plan.
“I only paid less than R900 for the registration at the municipality. What is expensive is the drafting of the shop plan which is part of the documents required for the registration and costs R5000. The extension of the deadline will give me enough time to complete everything,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ethiopian Fekro Adinawo, who owns a spaza shop, said that the extension brought relief to him.
“We are still busy with the registration because our documents are not complete. We are positive that by the time we reach the deadline, we will have completed all processes,” he said.
Registrations continue in all unit offices of municipalities. Hlabisa has warned that in cases where South Africans are found fronting for foreign nationals, the business would be shut down immediately.
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To register, all documents of the owner (ID/Passport) and the business, including proof of address, health and safety certificates, tax clearance to mention, but a few, should be available.
Forms can be obtained from the municipality and should be submitted personally. Spaza shop owners would also be required to keep and provide supplier records/identity to prove that goods are sourced from authorized entities.
