Municipalities central to SA’s spaza shop registration drive

By Johnathan Paoli

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, has emphasized the vital role of municipalities in South Africa’s spaza shop registration drive.

Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, Hlabisa outlined progress made during the 21-day registration period and the road ahead to improve compliance and regulate the informal retail sector.

Government extended the registration deadline for spaza shops and other food handling outlets to 28 February 2025.

This follows the end of the initial 21-day registration period, which concluded on Tuesday, 17 December 2024.

“Municipalities are working to adopt and adapt the by-laws gazetted on 7 November. While this process requires extensive consultation, significant strides have been made,” Hlabisa said.

He urged municipalities to maintain capacity for assisting those registering as operations decline during the holiday season.

“We also urge business owners to continue with their registration process within their respective municipalities and not wait