Step 1 deadline for spazas nears

REGISTRATION: DOES NOT MEAN APPROVAL IS A GIVEN

- Thando Nondywana

With the deadline looming for spaza shop registration, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa reaffirmed that the 21-day period set by government is to address compliance requirements.

Spaza shop owners have until Friday to register their businesses. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the 21-day registration period last month as part of the government's response to rising cases of suspected food poisoning.

Hlabisa warned that there would be consequences for non-compliance. "Spaza shops that fail to meet the requirements, such as lacking the necessary documents like a South African ID, will have to close down as they will be operating illegally."

"Those who could not obtain the required documents during the 21 days must close their doors until the operator applies and completes the process," he said.