The city estimates that approximately 4 700 spaza shops are currently in operation.
The eThekwini Municipality has received over 200 applications to renew business licences for spaza shops, as part of a compliance initiative following reports of contaminated food sold at some outlets.The registration process comes in the wake of a national food safety crisis, with more than 20 deaths reported across the country due to consumption of contaminated food allegedly purchased at spaza shops.
Spaza shop owners are required to register their businesses within 21 days as stipulated by government regulations. Deputy Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, Councillor Philisiwe Ndlovu says, “This is something that I think we have now regarded as a national crisis because across the country, there’s been loss of life. We have received over 200 applications. For now, we are basically starting afresh with all the applications just to ensure that everyone complies.
ATM National spokesperson Zama Ntshona highlighted the urgency of the situation, saying, “We are dealing with a situation that is hazardous to the wellbeing of the majority of South Africans who live in townships and rural areas. If we do not take stock of what is in circulation, we are going to find ourselves with a bigger problem of a society that is sick.”
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