Unregistered Spaza Shop

A Soweto family is grappling with fear and uncertainty as their eight-year-old son remains in critical condition in the ICU at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. The boy was hospitalized nearly a week ago after consuming snacks purchased from a local spaza shop in Mapetla, Soweto. The incident has sparked outrage in the community and prompted Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa to demand the closure of all non-compliant spaza shops across South Africa.
Speaking at the hospital on Friday morning, Minister Hlabisa addressed the growing crisis surrounding unregistered tuck shops. “I’m happy that the spaza shop in which the child is reported to have bought the snacks which affected him is shut down,” he said. “We will go there with the whole team and also to speak to the community because it should be a collective responsibility.” Hlabisa urged residents to report unregistered spaza shops, emphasizing that public safety is a shared duty.

A Family’s Pain and a Community’s Anger

The eight-year-old boy has been in intensive care for almost a week, with his family describing his condition as critical. “We just want our child to recover and return home,” a family spokesperson said, their voice reflecting the anguish felt by many in Soweto. The family has opened a case against the spaza shop, seeking justice for their son’s ordeal.

Tensions boiled over outside the tuck shop where the boy bought the snacks. Residents gathered, posting messages demanding that the foreign shop owner leave the country. “We are not happy with what happened,” one resident told reporters. “This happened in Naledi. And after Naledi, [President Cyril] Ramaphosa said spazas must be registered. This spaza is not registered at all. It doesn’t have papers. But he’s been allowed to operate.” The shop, confirmed to be unregistered by local authorities, has since been shut down as government officials descended on the site for inspections.

The reference to Naledi harks back to a tragic incident last year, where six children died after eating contaminated snacks from a spaza shop in Soweto. That event prompted widespread calls for reform, yet the latest case suggests that little has changed.

Spaza Shops: A Vital Yet Troubled Lifeline

Spaza shops are small, informal convenience stores that dot South Africa’s townships, including Soweto. They are a cornerstone of daily life, offering affordable goods to millions of residents. However, their informal status has made regulation a persistent challenge. Many operate without proper registration or adherence to health and safety standards, putting customers—especially children—at risk.

Following the Naledi tragedy, President Cyril Ramaphosa mandated that all spaza shops be registered to ensure compliance with basic regulations. Yet, as the Mapetla incident shows, enforcement remains inconsistent. The City of Johannesburg, responsible for overseeing Soweto, has been criticized for failing to crack down on non-compliant outlets. Reports indicate that no spaza shops in the city have been officially approved or closed since the registration deadline passed in February 2025.

Minister Hlabisa has taken a firm stance. “Non-compliant spaza shops should remain closed,” he declared during his hospital visit. His statement underscores a growing frustration with the slow pace of reform and the recurring threat to public health.

Government Response: Action or Inaction?

In response to mounting pressure, the government has introduced measures to address the spaza shop crisis. In April 2025, Ministers Parks Tau (Trade, Industry and Competition) and Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams (Small Business Development) launched a R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund. The initiative aims to provide financial and logistical assistance to help shop owners meet regulatory requirements.

While some have welcomed the fund as a step forward, its rollout has been chaotic. At a launch event in Soweto, overcrowding and disorganization highlighted the government’s struggle to manage the program effectively. Spaza shop owners have also reported difficulties with the registration process, citing confusing paperwork and delays from local authorities.

Hlabisa acknowledged these challenges but insisted that the registration deadline would not be extended. “We have learned valuable lessons,” he said, “especially regarding the need for strengthened enforcement.” He warned that police would take decisive action against non-compliant operators, signaling a shift toward stricter oversight.

Community Tensions and Calls for Accountability

The Mapetla incident has reignited tensions in Soweto, with some residents directing their anger at foreign shop owners. The posters outside the spaza shop reflect a broader debate about who runs these businesses, though the central issue remains food safety. Spaza shops account for a significant portion of food spending in South Africa, with millions relying on them daily. When they fail to meet standards, the consequences can be devastating.

The hospitalized boy’s family is focused on his recovery but also determined to hold the shop accountable. “We just want our son to get better,” they said, echoing a sentiment shared across the community. Residents are calling for immediate action, with one stating, “We cannot wait for another child to die. The city must act now.”

The Path Ahead: Safety First

The hospitalization of the eight-year-old boy is a grim reminder of the stakes involved. To prevent future tragedies, experts argue that the government must prioritize stricter enforcement. Regular inspections, swift closures of non-compliant shops, and clear penalties for violators are essential steps. The City of Johannesburg, in particular, faces pressure to improve its oversight and ensure that Soweto’s spaza shops operate safely.

Community vigilance is also critical. Hlabisa’s call for residents to report unregistered tuck shops could empower locals to play a proactive role. However, education campaigns are needed to raise awareness about food safety and the importance of buying from registered outlets.

For spaza shop owners, compliance must become more attainable. The R500 million support fund could bridge the gap, but only if it is accessible and well-managed. Addressing bureaucratic hurdles and providing clear guidance will encourage more shops to register and operate legally.

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