An association representing Ethiopian businesspeople operating spaza shops across South Africa has expressed gratitude for the government’s recent decision to extend the deadline for the compulsory registration of spaza shops and other food-handling outlets.
The extension, announced on Wednesday, pushes the deadline to the end of February next year.
Government Extends Deadline for Registration
The initial 21-day registration period announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa had expired, leaving many spaza shop owners, particularly foreign nationals, scrambling to comply. Thousands of small businesses remained unregistered by the initial cutoff date.
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, revealed that significant progress had been made during the initial registration period, with 42,915 applications received. Of these, 19,386 were approved. However, recognizing the challenges faced by many applicants, the government opted to extend the deadline to February 28, 2025.
Ethiopian Businesspeople Welcome the Extension
Fikreyesus Daniel, director of the ANG ANGGA Association, which represents Ethiopian spaza shop owners, welcomed the extension. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, he highlighted how the additional time would help business owners meet the registration requirements more effectively.
“We heard the news from Minister Hlabisa, and we are very grateful. There have been many complaints, and this extension allows us to complete the registration process thoroughly,” Daniel said.
Daniel emphasized the importance of properly addressing the registration process, noting that a rushed approach could lead to inefficiencies. The extension, he said, also provides an opportunity to improve how businesses are managed and operated.
Challenges in Documentation
Daniel pointed out that delays in obtaining necessary documentation from the Department of Home Affairs have hampered the registration process for many Ethiopian spaza shop owners.
These documents, including asylum-seeker permits, are critical for registering businesses but often take time to acquire. “The community I represent does not overlook the seriousness of food-borne illnesses in South Africa, where several children have tragically lost their lives,” Daniel stated.
He acknowledged the urgency of ensuring food safety and pledged that the businesses his association represents are committed to compliance.
Food Safety Concerns and Government Response
The government’s intervention comes in the wake of several deaths, many of them children, due to food-borne illnesses linked to food purchased from spaza shops. The situation highlighted the urgent need to regulate food-handling practices in small businesses operating across South Africa.
Minister Hlabisa acknowledged the strides made during the initial registration period, noting that 392 registration centers were established across all nine provinces. “We regard this as considerable progress over 21 days,” he said.
Despite this, Hlabisa emphasized that much work remains to be done. In addition to registration, businesses must obtain trading licenses to operate legally. The extended deadline gives the government and shop owners time to ensure compliance with these requirements.
A Step Toward Safer Business Practices
The extension is part of a broader government action plan to address food safety and curb the illicit trade of goods. Hlabisa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these issues.
“Prior to the revised deadline of February 28, 2025, the government in all its spheres will continue to implement the action plan to address the crisis of food-borne illnesses and the illicit trade of goods across the country,” Hlabisa said.
The decision to extend the deadline reflects the government’s recognition of the challenges faced by small business owners, particularly foreign nationals, in navigating the registration process.
Impact on Townships and the Informal Sector
Spaza shops are a critical component of the informal economy in South African townships, providing essential goods and services to residents. However, the unregulated nature of these businesses has led to concerns about food safety, particularly following the recent food-borne illness outbreaks.
The government’s initiative aims to strike a balance between supporting small business owners and ensuring public safety. By extending the deadline, authorities hope to bring more businesses into compliance, creating a safer environment for consumers.
Looking Ahead
As the February 2025 deadline approaches, the government plans to intensify its efforts to support spaza shop owners in meeting registration and licensing requirements. For Ethiopian businesspeople and other foreign nationals operating in this space, the extension offers a lifeline to achieve compliance and secure their livelihoods.
The coming months will be crucial in determining the success of this initiative and its impact on both the informal sector and public health in South Africa.
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