A TOTAL of 6,110 applications for spaza shop registration have been received with more than 1,500 licences approved and issued by eThekwini Municipality. The deadline for applications was on February 28.

However, the municipality has encouraged applicants to proceed with the registration as the process is still ongoing.

Also read: Spaza shops come under scrutiny in Montclair

Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Cyril Xaba, emphasised the importance of ongoing registration.

“Although the national registration initiative has officially closed, registration remains open and is mandatory. The campaign, which ran from November last year to 28 February, was launched to address food safety and formalise informal businesses to ensure compliance. While the voluntary registration period has ended, I urge all business owners who have yet to register to act immediately,” said Xaba.

The municipality continues to offer registration services at its five regional business licensing offices.

Additionally, monthly spaza shop compliance and empowerment workshops are held in various wards, where onsite registration and related information is provided.

Xaba added, “We are committed to helping business owners meet regulatory requirements.”

With the deadline now passed, the municipality, in collaboration with the metro police and other stakeholders, will intensify enforcement efforts.

Also read: Tuckshop owner fined R6 000 for non-compliance

“Non-compliant businesses can expect fines, warnings, and, in extreme cases, forced closures. Since September last year, around 395 warnings and fines have been issued,” he said.

Have you missed the deadline?

Businesses that missed the deadline or have not received feedback on their applications are encouraged to visit their respective Regional Business Licensing Offices.

They can contact the office on 031 311 4535 or email licensing@durban.gov.za.

To apply for a licence or for further assistance, business owners can visit the following Regional Business Licensing Offices:

• 7th Floor, Embassy Building, 199 Anton Lembede Street – 031 311 4535
• Sizakala Centre, Winklespruit, 9 Mayors Mews, Winklespruit – 031 311 5870
• Sizakala Centre, Pinetown Civic Centre, 60 Kings Road, Pinetown – 031 311 6209
• Sizakala Centre, Verulam, Ground Floor, 151 Wick Street, Verulam – 031 322 1803
• Sizakala Centre, Midway Crossing Mall, 5 Ntuzuma Main Road – 031 311 4387

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