While many spaza shops rush to register their businesses within the given time frame announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week, the government says it is concerned by isolated disruption incidents at registration centres. The incidents have reportedly occurred in areas around Soweto, which have since been attended to by law enforcement agencies.
On Friday, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation to announce the response by various stakeholders to implement interventions to tackle the current outbreak of foodborne illnesses and illicit trade in the country. Some of these instances have led to the unfortunate fatalities of 22 children and the hospitalisation of some, especially in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Free State.
While spaza shop owners embark on their registration process, the government has urged members of the public not to disturb the process by blocking certain shop owners from participating. This includes conducting unlawful inspections by members of the public and other unauthorised bodies.
Lawful joint inspections are ongoing across the country led by multidisciplinary teams comprising of experts and officials from various government departments, state bodies and law enforcement agencies to tackle such instances.
“We would like to emphasise that the law allows every shop owner who is a legitimate trader and who meets the legal requirements to own a business in the republic to register a business and trade.”
Government says it will take a proactive approach to ensure that account is taken of every legal prescript that allows people to do business in the country. It added that only individuals and businesses that meet the legal requirements and regulations stipulated by South African laws will be permitted to operate businesses in the country.
According to the Department of Health, they have been inundated with enquiries and concerns from business owners and organised groups about the registration deadline of 21 days and requests for an extension.
“We would like to urge the business community to come forward within this period and ensure that they get their businesses registered without delay.”
For its part, the department says it will make every effort to assist business owners who are struggling to register to comply with the given requirements.
