HOEDSPRUIT – Maruleng Local Municipality (MLM) Mayor Tsheko Musolwa has led a multi-agency compliance inspection targeting spaza shops and tuckshops in Madeira, next to Mahlakung Mall, in an effort to strengthen food safety standards and ensure businesses comply with municipal by-laws.

The operation formed part of the municipality’s ongoing campaign to improve public health and safety while promoting lawful business practices across the Maruleng area.

Joint inspection team

The inspection brought together officials from:

• Mopani District Municipality
• MLM’s business licensing division
• Police
• Environmental health officers

The joint team visited several tuck shops and spaza shops to assess whether businesses were operating in accordance with health, safety, and licensing requirements.

What inspectors checked for

• Expired food products
• Cleanliness and hygiene standards
• Valid business licences
• Compliance with relevant legislation governing small retail businesses

The team also verified whether shop owners were operating legally and in possession of the necessary documentation.

Fines issued for non-compliance

Several businesses were found to be non-compliant during the inspection. Authorities issued fines to offending businesses for various by-law infringements, while law enforcement officials also dealt with cases involving undocumented operators.

Mayor warns against fronting

Speaking during the walkabout, Musolwa warned residents against registering businesses on behalf of individuals who are not legally permitted to operate them.

He said the practice is unlawful and undermines government efforts to regulate the informal trading sector effectively.

“Our priority is to protect the health and safety of our communities. Spaza shops play an important role in local economies, but they must operate within the law and provide safe products to residents,” said Musolwa.

Call for compliance

The mayor urged all business owners to take compliance seriously by ensuring their premises meet the required legal, health, and hygiene standards. He added that compliance not only protects consumers but also helps create a fair and accountable business environment for legitimate traders.

More inspections planned

Musolwa further stressed that the municipality will continue working closely with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to conduct regular inspections throughout the municipality.

These operations are aimed at identifying businesses that fail to comply with municipal by-laws, operate without the necessary documentation, or compromise public health through poor hygiene and unsafe food handling practices.