Calls To Extend Spaza Shop Registration As 21-day Deadline Ends
Long queues have formed at the Jabulani Civic Centre in Soweto today, as the governments deadline for small business owners to comply with municipal by-laws for operating small businesses approaches.
The registration process is part of the governments effort to address recent foodborne illnesses and deaths allegedly linked to food purchased from spaza shops.
Veli Khumalo, Chairperson of the Gauteng Spaza Shop and Landlord Forum, has called for a three-month extension to give spaza shop owners more time to complete their registration.
"We are asking for an extension because this process requires a lot of work. Many people do not have title deeds, so they need to go to the housing office in town, and they often lack the funds to obtain title deeds. Some are living in RDP houses and do not have title deeds. To complete the consent form, you must provide a title deed," said Khumalo.
Due to a shortage of application forms, the registration period in Soweto has been extended until Wednesday.