Ramaphosa encourages spaza shop owners to register their businesses

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the recent spate of incidents of suspected food poisoning linked to spaza shops and informal traders has brought issues of health and safety regulations into sharp focus. He has encouraged small entrepreneurs to register their businesses within a prescribed timeframe.

Ramaphosa says the registration will legitimise small businesses and help local government implement necessary by-laws. He was speaking at the Presidential Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and Co-operatives Awards presentation ceremony in Midrand, Johannesburg, yesterday.

“There have been moments where health regulations have not been followed. Moments where very dangerous stuff was being stored with food that unfortunately led to the death of these children who have passed away and, in some areas, even older people. So I urge those who are still hesitating to come forward and register,” says Ramaphosa.

BELOW: Calls for informal traders to register businesses—President Cyril Ramaphosa