Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has revealed that over 200,000 spaza shops have been inspected since the government launched measures to address food-borne illnesses. As part of this initiative, at least 1,000 shops have been closed for failing to meet health and safety standards.
Speaking during a Cabinet briefing at Parliament on Thursday, Ntshavheni emphasized that inspections are not targeting foreign-owned shops exclusively but are applied across the board.
The intensified inspections follow President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of new interventions last month. These measures were prompted by a series of tragic deaths, particularly among young children, linked to unsafe food items purchased from informal retailers.
To register their businesses legally, foreign shop owners are now required to prove investments exceeding R5 million, in accordance with South African law. Ntshavheni reminded spaza shop operators that registration with their local municipality is mandatory within 21 days from November 15, 2024, and all businesses must adhere to prescribed health standards.
In a move to support compliant enterprises, Cabinet has approved funding for registered businesses. “The Department of Small Business Development and the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition are finalizing the establishment of an SMME fund worth R500 million to assist South African-owned township and rural businesses once compliance requirements are met,” said Ntshavheni.
The crackdown and accompanying support measures aim to improve food safety standards while bolstering small businesses in underserved communities.
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