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Maile and other stakeholders
Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development Lebogang Maile has assured business owners that his department will ensure that municipalities meet the 21-day deadline for the registration of spaza shops.
This follows concerns brought by business owners on the time frame.
Speaking during a media briefing in Johannesburg, MEC Maile vowed that municipalities would meet the deadline despite capacity challenges.
The Gauteng provincial government is working with municipalities to strengthen accountability for spaza shop owners.
This following an address by President Cyril Ramaphosa intended to address food borne illnesses.
Ramaphosa gave spaza shop owners 21 days to register their business. The registration drive was initiated to ensure that municipalities have a record of informal businesses operating in the province.
“The President of the country has spoken. I’m not a President, not a deputy. I can’t then want or challenge that. All I’m doing as a foot soldier is to implement what the President said. I’m doing what the President has ordered and instructed and will work within the 21 days to the best of our ability,” says Maile.
Small and micro business owners are required to use the stipulated 21 days to submit the correct documents to municipalities. These include identifying documents, proof of registration with CIPC and proof of residence among others.
The MEC has said that municipalities will rely on the law, particularly the Immigration Act, when reviewing applications for spaza shops. Police have been urged to patrol all the registration points.
“Foreign nationals will be required to provide valid documentation from the Department of Home Affairs, giving them authorization to operate their business in South Africa. We don’t have that authority as the province or local municipality. This must be in the form of a valid business visa or a work permit. Eligibility of a business visa as per South African law,” Maile adds.
The registration process will soon be followed by a by law enforcement drive. This comes after it emerged that many structures are noncompliant.
Structures built without the correct documentation like a building plan face an uncertain future.
Video: Spaza Shops – Maile presents strategy to assist owners
