Tshwane launches outreach program for spaza shops and food businesses
In terms of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act 13 of 2002), business owners who are foreign nationals must provide proof of a R5-million investment, in a bank statement, into an existing business in South Africa as well as a business visa.
The Tshwane metro has launched a programme to register all spaza shops in Tshwane to get them compliant with trade regulations as well as health and hygiene standards.
On November 15, President Cyril Ramaphosa urged all spaza shops and food-handling businesses to comply with the law and register within 21 days or face immediate closure.
The directive arose after the unfortunate deaths of schoolchildren due to foodborne illnesses in the country.
Arrested for all things illegal – illegal electricity and water connections, incorrect rezoning, no certificate of acceptability no trading licence,
R350 000 in arrears, illicit cigarettes….the list goes on. #ReASpana #Eersterust pic.twitter.com/Iz1JgJl1Bq— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) November 15, 2024
As I turn in, I repeat: one by one 🙏.
Today in Refilwe, we closed 5 shops and arrested 3 undocumented immigrants.” pic.twitter.com/T7mXbRr7mB
— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) November 20, 2024
Tshwane MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning Sarah Mabotsa said these interventions by the national government were a bid to get hazardous pesticides off the street and protect children from exposure to these harmful substances.
“The President gave instructions to all spaza shops and food-handling businesses to be registered within 21 days, for the immediate closure of spaza shops implicated in the deaths and for stricter regulations to protect communities.”
Mabotsa said the Tshwane metro is embarking on a citywide spaza shop registration programme to ensure compliance with trading by-laws about municipal health services, fire safety and town planning to protect communities.
She called on all spaza shop owners and food-handling businesses to take this opportunity to apply for registration.
Spaza shops and food-handling businesses are expected to meet the following minimum requirements:
– Appropriate zoning certificate;
– IDs for residents of South Africa or home affairs documents for foreigners (certified copies);
– Registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC);
– Copy of title deed, lease agreement or proof of residence;
– Affidavit and certified copy of ID of stand or erf owner if zoned as Residential 5;
– Menu, in the case of a restaurant;
– Tax clearance certificate (South African Revenue Service (SARS) documents);
– Additionally, foreign nationals are expected to provide proof of a R5-million investment, in terms of a bank statement, into an existing business in South Africa as well as a business visa.
Registration sessions will be held across various regions of the city, with the following schedule:
Region 3: Middestad Building, Pretoria Central, on November 18, from 08:00 to 16:00 (ongoing)
Region 2: Mandela Hall on November 21, from 09:00 to 16:00
Region 6: Eersterust Civic Centre and Mamelodi centres on November 25, from 09:00 to 16:00
Region 1: Akasia Town Hall and other locations on November 26, from 09:00 to 16:00
Region 3: Atteridgeville Municipal Offices and other locations on November 27, from 09:00 to 16:00
Region 4: Centurion Municipal Offices and other locations on November 28, from 09:00 to 16:00
Regions 5 and 7: Rayton and Bronkhorstspruit Municipal Offices from November 25 to 29, from 09:00 to 16:00
Mabotsa said the city will license all qualifying spaza shops or food-handling businesses and issue them with licences or permits.
“Consequences for non-compliance include, among others, the confiscation of goods, issuing of fines in terms of the Tshwane Street Trading By-law and closure of businesses.”
She said this initiative is also in line with the Mayor’s 100-day Economic Revitalisation Programme.
“Register your business and take the first step towards success,” she concluded.
#ReASpana closing down shops in Eersterust like it is Black Friday! This shop is a fire hazard. No certificates and expired merchandise. pic.twitter.com/MT2mxgEyTA
— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) November 15, 2024
In a joint operation with TMPD and SAPS, we found a liquor trading establishment that was operating without a license. This shop will be shutdown. The owners were unable to explain the suspected illegal goods on sale. #ReASpana @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/BzstgE0L6L
— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) November 1, 2024
City of Tshwane launches spaza shop registration outreach programme across
all seven regions of Tshwane. pic.twitter.com/p4RSgu8mTP— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) November 20, 2024
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