Calls For A National Imbizo Over Spaza Shop Registration Concerns

The South African Spaza-Shops Association has urged the government to convene a National Imbizo to address issues affecting spaza shop owners and informal traders nationwide. The call comes after the deadline for spaza shop and food outlet registration passed yesterday.

Association President Kgothatso Ramautso addressed the media outside the Tshwane municipal offices in Pretoria, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by spaza shop owners. He said traders struggle to comply due to frequent disruptions from individuals claiming to be inspectors.

We are not even making money, especially after the president's announcement. Inspectors are constantly coming in and out, forcing us to close shop. If the government is serious about us, they must call us to an imbizo because existing structures do not truly represent us, said Ramautso.

The association believes a national dialogue will help address compliance challenges and ensure fair representation for all spaza-shop owners.