Thaba Chweu Local Municipality calls on food outlets to get registered
Food traders and spaza shops are hereby informed to comply with legislation by registering with the municipality by no later than December 20.
The Thaba Chweu Local Municipality (TCLM) has issued a notice requiring all food trading facilities and spaza shops within its jurisdiction to register with the municipality by December 20.
This measure is part of an effort to ensure compliance with by-laws and improve food safety standards nationally and across the region.
The notice follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s national address, in which he said 890 incidents of foodborne illnesses across all provinces had been reported since the beginning of September 2024.
By November 15, no fewer than 22 children died in a matter of weeks due to foodborne illnesses.
The TCLM’s notice highlights that establishments issued with trade licences must adhere to the general requirements set out for such businesses. Failure to comply may result in penalties or revocation of trade licences.
The municipality said its initiative aims to enhance accountability and safeguard public health.
Requirements for registration include a certified copy of the ID of the applicant, proof of land ownership or a lease agreement, a certified copy of a business permit if the applicant is a foreign national, and optional business registration documents from the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission.
Also read: Lydenburg has transformer woes on account of Eskom debt
Other required documentation includes confirmation of land use rights, which is obtainable from the municipality, a certificate of acceptability (CoA) from the Ehlanzeni District Municipality, and a fire certificate from the municipality.
Application forms are obtainable from all the municipal offices and Mashishing Thusong Service Centre.
All business establishments issued with trade licences or the CoA in terms of the above-mentioned legislation are required to ensure that they are compliant with the general requirements as stipulated in the by-laws.
The TCLM has urged all relevant businesses to act promptly and complete their registrations before the deadline.
For more information, business owners can contact the municipality or visit the municipal offices.
