The registration deadline for spaza shops and food-handling small businesses has officially closed. After establishing 51 registration/business licensing centres across the province, the Free State Department of Economic Development and Tourism (Destea) noted that it is an ongoing activity to consolidate. A briefing about progress will be done once confirmed.
Non-compliant businesses, however, face the risk of fines or closure, according to communication by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
“The message is therefore clear and simple: where a business does not comply with health, environmental, food handling, and other regulations or requirements, they will not be allowed to trade. This will apply to both registered and non-registered businesses.”
Two proud and newly registered business owners, Emeka Ahize and MD Eliyas Khan, invited Bloemfontein Courant into their shops in Hilton to show off their registration documents.
Ahize, who owns Bobo’s Tuck Shop, said his wife has been handling the administration of getting their shop registered since last December. It brings him relief to know that he is abiding by the law, as he learnt a lot about the administration of having a small business that does not harm the community.
Khan echoed this sentiment, stating that he had to shift things around in his shop to pass the inspection. He, however, stated that he was fined for operating after hours. His concern is that customers who work late-night shifts, or may have needs at night, will be let down if he closes at 21:00.
He further explained that he does not sell re-packaged or individual goods to avoid selling items that are not labelled or packaged as per regulations.
Small businesses were required to submit application forms to have their businesses registered, as instructed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. This initiative is part of the government’s response to curb foodborne illnesses.
“The end of the registration period, on 28 February 2025, does not in any way suggest that the foodborne illness challenges have been fully addressed, as more work still needs to be done to ensure that this sector is fully regulated and that it adheres to applicable legislation and health regulations,” according to the GCIS.
Destea reported that a total of 7,521 applications have been submitted, with 641 approved by 24 February. Since November 2024, the department conducted 1,275 compliance inspections.
“During these compliance inspections, 198 tuckshops and food-handling outlets were found to be compliant, 170 were non-compliant, and about 58 tuckshops and food-handling outlets were closed due to non-compliance,” said the Destea MEC, Ketso Makume.
The department has committed to increasing inspections to enforce the Free State Integrated Business Support and Licensing and Regulations Act No. 2 of 2024, which aims to address the issue of unregistered businesses operating illegally.
Destea will keep Bloemfontein Courant updated on the progress post the registration deadline.
Gypseenia Lion
gypseenia@mahareng.co.za
