The Free State Government has set up 51 registration and business licensing centres across its four districts and Mangaung Metro to assist spaza shops, food-handling outlets, and other small businesses in meeting the 28 February 2025 registration deadline.
Once registered, businesses must obtain permits or licenses in line with municipal by-laws and compliance requirements. Those who fail to register before the Friday deadline, risk being closed down or penalised.
Free State MEC for Finance, Economic Development, and Tourism, Ketso Makume, has urged business owners, associations, chambers, traditional leaders, and stakeholders to assist unregistered businesses in completing the process.
A total of 7,521 applications have been submitted, with 641 approved so far.
Applicants must submit a completed form with personal and business details, a certified copy of their ID, and proof of residence.
Makume has also directed the Consumer Protection unit to collaborate with law enforcement and other departments to conduct compliance inspections, ensuring adherence to trade and food safety regulations.
“The intergovernmental and coordinated approach with relevant authorities reflects our commitment as Government that we are dedicated in addressing risks associated with unregistered businesses while addressing the underlying vulnerabilities within the food safety ecosystem and illicit trade networks,” MEC Makume said.
The department, alongside sector stakeholders, has conducted 1,275 compliance inspections across the province since November 2024. Of these, 198 tuck shops and food-handling outlets were found compliant, while 170 were non-compliant. A total of 58 were closed due to non-compliance.
Additionally, the department and its partners have launched a programme offering financial and non-financial support to the sector. Non-financial support includes training on food handling, compliance with the Consumer Protection Act and the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act, as well as business management skills.
Makume 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.
The MEC also urged the public and unauthorised bodies to refrain from conducting unlawful inspections or shutting down unregistered businesses. Instead, they should report such businesses to their local municipalities, the Departmental Consumer Protection Unit at customercare@destea.gov.za, WhatsApp (082 947 5394), or the nearest police station.
Compiled by Warren Hawkins
