The eThekwini Municipality has received over 200 applications from spaza shop owners seeking to renew their business licenses as part of a compliance initiative, following reports of contaminated food being sold at some outlets. The municipality estimates that around 4,700 spaza shops are currently operating in the area.
This registration process comes in response to a national food safety crisis, which has resulted in more than 20 deaths across South Africa from food allegedly purchased at spaza shops. As part of government regulations, spaza shop owners are required to complete their registration within 21 days.
Councillor Philisiwe Ndlovu, Deputy Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, emphasized the severity of the issue, describing it as a national crisis due to the loss of life across the country. She confirmed that over 200 applications have been received so far, and the municipality is starting the registration process anew to ensure full compliance.
