Provincial Authorities Tackle Widespread Non-Compliance in Spaza Shops and Food-Handling Facilities
Gauteng authorities have intensified efforts to enforce food safety and business compliance standards, shutting down 296 non-compliant spaza shops and food-handling businesses across the province. The clampdown, led by MEC for Finance and Economic Development Lebogang Maile, is part of a broader strategy to ensure public health and uphold legal business practices in Johannesburg and surrounding municipalities.
Non-Compliance Revealed Through Inspections
This decisive action follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive in November 2024, which required all spaza shops and food-handling facilities to register within 21 days. The registration deadline was later extended to 28 February 2025, but inspections have since revealed widespread non-compliance.
In Johannesburg alone, 243 businesses were shut down out of 1,444 inspected, with similar actions taken in Tshwane (48 closures from 1,905 cases of non-compliance). While Ekurhuleni recorded 8,848 violations, only five businesses were forced to close, highlighting a complex enforcement process.
“Many of these businesses fail to meet basic environmental health and safety standards, while some operate without proper zoning approvals,” said MEC Maile.
New Registration System for Spaza Shops
To streamline compliance, municipalities across Gauteng introduced an online registration system for spaza shops and food-handling facilities. However, progress has been slow. The City of Johannesburg has approved only eight applications from foreign-owned businesses out of 2,179 submitted. Similarly, Tshwane approved just 20 foreign-owned businesses out of 4,109 applications, with hundreds still under review by Home Affairs and the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
Maile reiterated the provincial government’s stance, saying, “No foreign national who is in the country illegally will be allowed to conduct business in our province. We are working closely with Home Affairs and SARS to ensure that only those who comply with South African laws can operate.”
Stricter Enforcement Measures
Businesses found operating illegally after being shut down face severe legal repercussions. Maile stressed that persistent violations would escalate to criminal prosecution.
“The horrors of last year, where our children were hospitalised and killed due to foodborne illnesses, must never be repeated. We are taking every measure to ensure that our people are protected,” Maile warned.
Challenges in Other Municipalities
While Johannesburg and Tshwane have taken significant steps to enforce compliance, municipalities like Mogale City and Sedibeng have identified violations but have yet to implement closures. This discrepancy underscores the need for consistent enforcement across all regions.
This bold crackdown sends a strong message about the importance of compliance with food safety and legal business practices. With ongoing inspections and the threat of legal action, Gauteng’s authorities aim to protect public health and ensure a fair, regulated business environment.
Also read: City of Tshwane Urges Spaza Shop Owners to Register Before Deadline – Only 148 Approved So Far
