The eThekwini Municipality said 4 900 spaza shops have applied to be registered in Durban. File Picture: Independent Newspapers Archives
The eThekwini Municipality has warned that spaza shops and other food handling businesses will face fines or other enforcement action if they fail to register their businesses by February 28.
The City said about 4 900 spaza shops have applied to be registered in Durban following a directive by President Cyril Ramaphosa that all spaza shops and food handling businesses should be registered. The registration call came after foodborne illnesses, which were linked to spaza shops, led to the deaths of children.
The municipality revealed that since the directive by the president last year, it has received a significant number of applications.
The City stated that 408 spaza shops are now compliant after having been registered.
Speaking on the eThekwini Municipality’s podcast, the City’s Business Licensing Manager, Qondi Liqwa, said there has been positive feedback from operators and residents.
“Our registration centres within eThekwini are very busy. People are coming to register their businesses. On a daily basis, we receive on average about 60 applications, which indicates that spaza shop operators have really taken it upon themselves to ensure that they register during this period.
“We are still currently processing those applications. We have 4 900 applications, and from what we have processed so far, we have granted 408 licences to those spaza shops that have met all the requirements and are now compliant,” she said.
She mentioned that to achieve this milestone, the city has had to engage in intense communication and activation drives to inform about the registration process.
She noted that among the requirements needed to get the licence include compliance with building regulations.
“Your structure must be compliant, and the zoning must be correct for you to use that place as a business, as there are certain areas that cannot be used for specific types of businesses, as approved by town planning. You must also comply with fire safety requirements.”
She also mentioned that those running spaza shops on council land need to obtain permission and people must comply with registration or face fines.
“If you are found trading illegally, you will receive a warning to register. If you do not register and there is a follow-up, and we find you trading illegally, you may then receive a section 56 notice to pay a fine or to appear in court. So, parallel to the registration process, we are also enforcing our by-laws,” she said.
To apply or register, there is a fee of R287, which is a one-off payment for the application and licence.
“We will continue with current and ongoing inspections, and we will check whether those that have registered are still compliant. Those that have not registered will face enforcement actions,” she added.
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