Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Velenkosini Hlabisa has announced an extension of the registration deadline for spaza shops and other food handling outlets to February 28, 2025.
This decision comes in light of the alarming incidents of food-borne illnesses that have tragically led to the deaths of several children, prompting urgent government intervention.
During a recent address, President Cyril Ramaphosa directed that all spaza shops and food handling facilities must be registered with their local municipalities within a span of 21 days—an initiative aimed at ensuring compliance with stringent health standards.
It is explained that the initial deadline, which concluded yesterday (17 December 2024), was critical as it sought to establish minimum health requirements for food vendors and protect the South African public.
While the government is making headway in its registration efforts, it acknowledges the challenges some stakeholders have faced. Hlabisa underscored the necessity of the original time frame, which was set in direct response to the urgent public health crisis.
“We are aware of some who have encountered obstacles not of their own making, preventing them from complying with the 21-day registration period,” he said.
He further reveals that the extended deadline aims to continue reinforcing regulatory compliance across all food handling sectors.
Hlabisa emphasised that businesses already registered must also apply for trading licenses.
The next phase will see environmental health practitioners conducting thorough inspections to ensure that operations comply with health regulations, irrespective of their registration status.
“If you don’t comply with the health regulations, the business is closed down immediately. Hence, 1041 spaza shops have already been closed,” he warned.
As part of its multifaceted response to combat food safety violations, the government has appointed 15 health experts to a Ministerial Advisory Committee.
This committee is tasked with developing long-term strategies to mitigate the incidence of food-borne illnesses, marking a proactive measure aimed squarely at protecting public health.
Furthermore, enforcement teams have ramped up compliance checks nationwide, conducting door-to-door inspections and intelligence-led operations targeting warehouses and food handlers to close down non-compliant businesses.
Recent efforts have taken a significant step forward; authorities confiscated 470 liters of pesticides at a bonded warehouse, exemplifying the government’s commitment to preventing unsafe goods from entering the market.
It is reported that a collaborative operational plan involving SARS Customs, the Border Management Authority, and the Department of Agriculture is set to target high-risk activities while ensuring that food safety remains a top priority, also during the festive season.
The plan further underscores the government’s promise to protect consumers, especially during this busy period.
He also indicated that in an effort to bolster public education on food safety, a campaign will be rolled out targeting school-age children, educators, and their parents, aiming to significantly elevate awareness during the festive season.
“We call on all our civil society and business partners to amplify these important messages and help educate our community on food safety,” Hlabisa stated.
The extension of the registration deadline has been well received by many owners who previously voiced their struggles to gather the required documentation within the initial time frame.
The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za