SEDIBENG – Spaza shop owners in Emfuleni have been dealt a major blow after the municipality declared that it has not issued business licences to foreign-owned spaza shops.

The embattled municipality has also warned that it will bring the full force of the law down on illegal traders.

In a public notice dated October 9, Emfuleni Local Municipality said foreign-owned spaza shops that had applied for registration following the President’s 2024 announcement did not meet the legal requirements to operate.

The municipality explained that none of the applicants currently met the requirements of the Business Act 71 of 1991 and the Emfuleni Standard Township By-law.

As a result, no business licences had been granted.

The municipality, through MMC for Agriculture, Local Economic Development, Planning and Tourism Sefatsa Sefatsa, said law enforcement agencies were conducting weekly operations to clamp down on illegal trading.

He added that officials have warned that there will be no leniency for those who break the rules. The notice emphasises that anyone operating illegally or obstructing law enforcement will face the full might of the law.

The announcement comes as spaza shop registration and compliance remain important issues in South Africa, with authorities seeking to ensure that businesses operate within the law.

However, the municipality’s notice specifically refers to foreign-owned spaza shops that applied for registration.

It does not state that all spaza shops in Emfuleni are operating illegally.

The municipality has urged traders to comply with government regulations, making it clear that enforcement operations will continue.