Some spaza shop owners in Durban fear that they might not meet the 21-day deadline to register their businesses, saying it is a strenuous process.
Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has confirmed that the deadline for the registration of spaza shops, as President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed, expires next Tuesday.
The registration requirement is government’s response to increasing cases of suspected food poisoning in the country from items purchased at spaza shops, which has led to the death of over 20 children.
One spaza shop owner says, “I have not yet registered. The process is too long and stressful. There are too many documents required, and the 21 days is too short. I stay in an area ruled by a traditional leader and getting proof of residence is an issue. There are many other documents they want, and you can’t get urgently. They need to extend the dates.”
Another owner says, “I run a fruit and vegetable business in a container but due to the …