City of Tshwane urges food-handling business owners to meet spaza registration deadline

By Johnathan Paoli

Tshwane Economic Development and Spatial Planning MMC, Sarah Mabotsa, has expressed gratitude to the more than 4,000 businesses that have registered to date, 54% of which are owned by South African citizens. 

The city also urged all spaza shop and food-handling business owners to meet the mandatory registration deadline of 28 February.

The deadline was extended by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 18 December 2024, following several food-borne illness cases, some of which resulted in fatalities.

“Our goal is to make the city safe for all residents, including schoolchildren. Please play your part by ensuring your business is registered and compliant with relevant legislation and food-handling regulations,” Mabotsa said on Tuesday.

She said that all food-handling businesses – such as bakeries, butcheries, food processors, and restaurants – must comply with the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act.

The registration process ensures adherence to health and safety standards, protecting Tshwane