Spaza Shop Growth in Gauteng Signals Economic Resilience
Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile recently revealed significant strides in spaza shop registrations, with over 21,000 applications submitted. Notably, nearly 3,000 applications have come from foreign nationals, underscoring the vital role they play in the province’s informal economy.
Gauteng’s bustling entrepreneurial landscape continues to thrive as more spaza shops comply with regulatory frameworks. During a media briefing in Johannesburg, MEC Lebogang Maile provided an update on the province’s spaza shop registration progress, noting a substantial increase in applications.
Spaza Shop Registrations Surging
According to Maile, the number of applications rose from 13,616 just ten days ago to 21,172, reflecting the province’s robust efforts to formalize the informal economy.
“Of this number, 10,389 application forms have been submitted across all municipalities in Gauteng,” Maile noted, highlighting the impressive response rate.
However, challenges remain, with 2,677 applications returned due to incomplete documentation, an increase from 1,916 in the previous update.
Foreign Nationals Contributing Significantly
The role of foreign nationals is increasingly evident, with 2,818 registrations recorded, marking a rise of 213 from earlier figures. Maile emphasized that these developments align with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive to streamline business operations for spaza shop owners.
“This indicates that more spaza shops are complying with the President’s directive, a positive sign that the program and interventions instituted by the Gauteng provincial government are working,” he said.
Local Municipalities Driving Approvals
Municipalities like the City of Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg are actively facilitating this process. Ekurhuleni issued 23 business licenses to tuck shop owners, while Johannesburg approved 93 land-use applications and issued 617 certificates of acceptance.
Maile assured that a comprehensive figure from all municipalities will be provided soon, showcasing the collective impact of these initiatives.
Extended Registration Deadline
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, recently extended the registration deadline for spaza shops and other food-handling outlets to February 2025. This extension comes as thousands of small businesses remain unregistered despite the earlier 21-day deadline announced by President Ramaphosa.
Empowering Gauteng’s Informal Economy
The rise in spaza shop registrations is a testament to Gauteng’s dedication to nurturing small businesses and integrating them into the formal economy. With ongoing support from provincial authorities and municipalities, the informal economy is set to thrive, driving economic resilience in the province.
Also read: Government Extends Spaza Shop Registration Deadline to February 2025
