Guide: How To Register Your Spaza Shop

Gauteng Calls on Spaza Shop Owners to Register and Comply with Business Regulations

Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, has announced a compulsory registration process for spaza shops across the province.

This initiative aims to bring township businesses into compliance with local regulations and provide a safer, more regulated environment for both shop owners and their customers.

The country has been recently plagued by incidents of food poisoning related to spaza shops in townships. About 22 children have lost their lives on the process, sparking a nationwide outrage against foreign-owned spaza shops.

President Ramaphosa recently addressed the nation and announced that all stores implicated in incidents of poisoning must be closed immediately. He also called for government to fast-track consumer education campaigns in communities.

Why Register Your Spaza Shop?

Spaza shops are a vital part of the township economy, providing essential goods and services to local communities. By registering, shop owners can:

• Operate legally under South African business laws.

• Access business support programs offered by the government.

• Ensure compliance with municipal zoning and health regulations.

Unregistered businesses risk closure, so it is crucial for all spaza shop owners to complete the process.

Fake inspectors caught defrauding spaza shop in Heidelberg

Step-by-Step Registration Process of Spaza Shops

1. Gather Required Documents
   To register your spaza shop, you’ll need the following:

• A valid South African ID or a business visa/work permit (for foreign nationals).

• Proof of residence.

• Business registration documents from the CIPC.

• Proof of ownership or lease agreement for your shop premises.

• Zoning certificates or municipal consent.

• Certificate of Acceptability from Environmental Health.

2. Visit Your Local Registration Centre
   Registration centres have been set up across Gauteng municipalities. Some key locations include:

City of Johannesburg: Alexandra MPCC, Jabulani Municipal Offices, and Orlando Municipal Offices.

Ekurhuleni: All Customer Care Centres (CCCs).

City of Tshwane: Karen Park, Hammanskraal Municipal Offices, and more.

Additional centres are available in Mogale City, Emfuleni, Midvaal, and Lesedi municipalities.

3. Submit Your Application and Pay the Fee
   Submit your completed application form and pay the municipality-determined fee to receive your business license.

Support for Spaza Shop Owners

The Gauteng Provincial Government recognizes the challenges township business owners face, including access to resources and compliance knowledge.

“To make the process easier, the Qondis’ Ishishini Lakho campaign provides a one-stop shop for spaza shop owners to get assistance with their registrations, compliance checks, and permits,” Maile explained.

Benefits of Registering your Spaza Shop

By registering your spaza shop, you gain:

• Legal protection for your business.

• Increased trust from customers.

• Opportunities for growth, such as access to funding and support programs.

Spaza shop owners are urged to register as soon as possible within the 21 day period to avoid closure.

For more information, follow your local municipality’s social media pages or visit your nearest registration centre.