MEC Lebogang Maile
By Mpho Moloi
Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile has issued a strong warning to foreign nationals accused of intimidating local spaza shop owners, urging them to stop their unlawful actions immediately. The warning comes amid reports of foreign spaza shop owners allegedly pressuring South African entrepreneurs to close their businesses, claiming exclusivity in certain areas.
Speaking during a media briefing in Johannesburg, Maile vowed that the government would not tolerate criminal activities targeting South Africans. He called on affected individuals to report any cases of intimidation or harassment. “We will protect our citizens against criminality, and we have got that duty. We will deploy more resources to protect our citizens,” Maile said. His remarks reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding South African businesses, particularly in township economies.
Spaza Shop Registration Deadline Extended
In light of these challenges, the government has extended the deadline for spaza shop registration from 17 December to 28 February 2025. The extension comes as a response to concerns raised by spaza shop owners who felt the initial timeline was too tight to allow for the submission of necessary documents.
“The process is not designed to frustrate business owners but rather to ensure compliance with laws that protect public health, safety, and economic development,” Maile stated. He assured that the extension would give all spaza shop operators—both South African and foreign nationals—enough time to regularise their businesses.
Rising Participation in Spaza Shop Registration
Maile also provided an update on the progress of spaza shop registration across Gauteng. To date, over 21,000 application forms have been issued to shop owners, with 10,389 forms already submitted for registration. This represents a substantial increase from the 13,616 forms issued just ten days earlier. The number of applications from foreign nationals also grew to 2,818, an increase of 213 since the last update.
“This growth in participation is a positive sign that the programmes and interventions are working,” Maile said, adding that compliance with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive to register all spaza shops demonstrates the sector’s willingness to operate within the law.
However, the registration process has not been without challenges. Over 2,677 applications have been returned due to missing or invalid documentation. Maile emphasised the importance of providing correct and complete information to avoid delays.
Illegal Structures and Demolition Warnings
Another pressing issue highlighted by Maile during the briefing is the prevalence of illegal spaza shop structures. Many shops have been built without proper zoning approvals, with some erected on critical municipal infrastructure such as water pipelines and electrical lines.
“Structures built on critical infrastructure not only threaten spatial and economic development but also pose a risk to the safety of communities,” Maile explained. He warned that municipalities have been instructed to issue correction notices to shop owners whose structures are non-compliant.
While demolition of illegal structures remains a last resort, Maile did not rule it out in cases where regularisation is not possible. “It is important to state that our approach to this matter is developmental. Demolishing structures is our last resort, as we recognise the financial and economic implications of such an intervention,” he said.
Impact of Food-Borne Illnesses on Policy
The registration drive is part of a broader government effort to improve safety and compliance in the informal economy. The initiative gained urgency following a spate of child deaths linked to food-borne illnesses caused by items purchased from spaza shops. These tragedies have underscored the need for stricter oversight of food-handling facilities and businesses operating in township areas.
Maile reiterated the government’s focus on protecting public health and ensuring that all spaza shops adhere to basic safety standards. “This programme is about safeguarding the health and livelihoods of our communities. We need every spaza shop to operate within the law,” he said.
Public Cooperation and Awareness
Maile urged both South African and foreign shop owners to cooperate with the registration process and ensure compliance with zoning and health regulations. He stressed that the initiative is not intended to marginalise any group but to create a fair and regulated business environment.
“We need to focus on unity and collaboration in building a sustainable township economy. The government will continue to support all compliant businesses, regardless of nationality,” Maile assured.
He also encouraged municipalities to engage directly with spaza shop owners through outreach programmes. These efforts aim to educate operators about the importance of compliance and address any misconceptions about the registration process.
Future Plans and Economic Growth
The spaza shop registration initiative is part of a broader strategy to formalise and grow South Africa’s informal economy. Maile emphasised that formalisation is crucial for improving public safety, enhancing economic opportunities, and ensuring equitable access to resources.
“This is about creating a thriving township economy that benefits everyone. By bringing informal businesses into the regulatory fold, we can unlock new opportunities for growth and investment,” he said.
The MEC also highlighted plans to introduce new technologies and systems to streamline compliance and enforcement. These measures will ensure that the benefits of the registration programme are sustained in the long term.
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