New regulations in Lenasia and Johannesburg have been introduced to improve health and safety standards in spaza shops. The regulations focus on key areas such as ensuring food hygiene and quality, proper licensing and compliance, promoting community safety, waste management and access to safe products.
The regulations aim to improve the quality of goods, increase safety and ensure the smooth operation of spaza shops, benefiting both shop owners and local residents. By enforcing these regulations, authorities plan to prevent illegal activities and ensure a cleaner, safer environment. Inspections, licensing and waste disposal are some of the key aspects that will be prioritized. Consumers can expect safer products that promote better health, while retailers benefit from operating within legal frameworks, contributing to the overall well-being of the local community.
On Friday 22 November 2024, during the registration process in the City of Johannesburg, Region G, a group identifying themselves as members of \"Operation Dudula\" blocked the arrangement of tables and chairs, preventing officials from starting their work. The group, who were opposing the registration of foreigners at the site, clashed with some foreigners, resulting in a violent clash. Shots were fired during the melee, but personnel on the scene were unable to determine who fired the shot as they took cover amidst the chaos.
An empty cartridge was found at the crime scene, along with two unused pistol rounds, which were collected by Chief Inspector Ajooda of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD). The police later confirmed that a person was hit and wounded during the accident.
In response to security problems for both public employees and the public, registration for the day was suspended. This decision followed a debriefing with the Ministry of Economic Development (Ded) and a consultation with the Superinententententes JMPD supervision that supervises the registration process. The suspension was considered necessary to ensure the safety of all the subjects involved.
After the suspension of the registration process, the regional director (RD) presented a report that stated that the councilor Nobuhle Mthembu, president of the Council, and the director Adolph Marema, president of the president, had commissioned the break in the trial to further consult the realization of a realization. Further advice in the process of members of the Regional Council who had expressed concern for registration. Accordingly, the DR confirmed on 25 November that the registration process would resume on 26 November 2024 after receiving the necessary approval. Since then, the registration of spaza shop owners in Region G has been running smoothly, without any further disruption. All persons who visit the registration page will be immediately assisted and spaza shop operators will be provided with the necessary information and guidance regarding the registration requirements and how to comply with them.
The business registration process is expected to continue beyond 13 December 2024. The municipal offices responsible for receiving business applications will be informed once consultations with the relevant support teams have been completed. Chris Vondo, Spokesperson for the Mayor’s Office, stressed that the Mayor of Johannesburg, as a law-abiding politician, wants to uphold the rule of law and ensure compliance with national laws and municipal regulations. To this end, the Mayor has directed that enforcement activities continue on a daily basis even after the registration process, with the support of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Department of Home Affairs to address issues such as expired or invalid work permits and lack of proper documentation.
Vondo further explained that the Mayor is a strong supporter of educational programmes to educate and sensitise Spaza shop operators and the general public on food safety and foodborne illness prevention. These programmes will continue beyond the re-registration period, always keeping in mind the health and safety of Johannesburg residents.
The Mayor's Office, in collaboration with the Members of the Municipal Committee (MMC), will continue to prioritize compliance audits, educational initiatives and consistent messaging across various platforms to increase community awareness. These efforts are aimed at eliminating the sale of expired food products in Spaza shops, a difficult task that requires cooperation between the City and the communities of Johannesburg.
In conclusion, Vondo said the Executive Mayor has directed the MMCs to intensify their multidisciplinary efforts, in collaboration with other spheres of government, to ensure continuous verification and compliance inspections of Spaza shops. The aim is to identify, document and close down illegal and non-compliant shops with the assistance of law enforcement. Despite the challenges, the City remains committed to protecting the health and safety of its residents by addressing business practices that jeopardize public welfare.
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