POLOKWANE – As the second week of the compulsory business operating licence registration period concludes today, Provincial Government has urged customers to demand a registration certificate when purchasing from spaza shops.

This mandatory registration process, which continues until next Friday, is part of an effort to prevent and monitor foodborne illnesses.

Following several tragic deaths and serious illnesses among young people across the country, including in this province, President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered that all food outlets be registered within 21 days.

Locally, the Polokwane Municipality and the Department of Economic Development have been facilitating the registration process, though it has been marred by long queues and reports of criminal activity.

As of last Wednesday, the department reported that the Capricorn District had received 300 applications, many from foreign nationals.

These applicants are required to invest approximately R5m to register a shop, in line with stricter regulations for foreign-owned businesses.

There have also been disturbing allegations that vulnerable groups, particularly elderly women, are being coerced into registering spaza shops on behalf of foreign nationals in exchange for money.

One witness reported seeing two men approach an elderly woman in the queue, offering her money to assist with the registration. “I overheard them saying, ‘Make me nice for us, we make nice for you,’” the witness said, raising concerns about illegal activity.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has expressed concern, warning that if these allegations are true, the acts could constitute fraud, with potential repercussions for SARS and Sassa records.

With registrations closing on Sunday, these developments underscore the importance of ensuring the process remains transparent and lawful.