Warning For South Africans Fronting For Illegal Foreign Nationals
The government has reminded South Africans that fronting for illegal foreign nationals in the registration of spaza shops is a punishable criminal offence.
Owners of spaza shops and other food handling outlets have until 28 February 2025 to register their businesses. Many of these outlets have been run by foreign nationals over the years.
South Africans warned against spaza shop frontingIn a media statement on Wednesday 14 February, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure NATJOINTS said it noticed concerning incidents of fronting by illegal foreign nationals during the initial period of the registration cycle.
Local business owners, landlords and ordinary members of the public participated in this practice, NATJOINTS added.
It must be emphasised that this practice is a punishable criminal offence in terms of section 42 of the Immigration Act. Section 42 of the Immigration Act prohibits anyone, South African or foreigners, from aiding, assisting and abetting illegal foreigners in any way, including registering a business on their behalf, it explained.
It also reminded foreigners who are legally in the country, either through a valid asylum, visa or permanent resident status, to abide by the terms and conditions of their status in terms of the Immigration Act.
Government will continue to monitor this phenomenon as the deadline for registration looms and anyone who is found to be in contravention of the legal requirements will be subjected to the full might of the law. This may include the possibility of closure of business, NATJOINTS warned.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the registration requirement in December last year following the loss of 22 children's lives caused by food-borne illnesses, partly linked to the spaza shops and informal traders.
NATJOINTS said registration alone is not enough. To obtain a licence or a permit to trade in food handling , business owners must also comply with all health regulations and municipal by-laws related to conducting such a business, it said.