Spaza Shop Owners in Katlehong Demand Deadline Extension Amid Registration Challenges

Memory Tshabalala has spent two decades running her spaza shop in Katlehong, providing for her five children through this business. Now, she faces an uncertain future as the spaza shop registration deadline looms, with only a week left to comply.

The 42-year-old mother has struggled to meet the stringent requirements of the new regulations. Tshabalala is holding out hope for an extension, fearing her livelihood may be jeopardized if she fails to register in time.

“The issue of spaza registration, we hear it and understand it, but the notice is too short. Fixing documents and obtaining certificates takes time,” she said. “When you go to register, they often send you back, saying your place is not registered. Landlords promise to assist but don’t follow through. We need at least six more months.”

Community Voices Concerns Over Tight Deadline

Tebogo Jani, 60, who has run his spaza shop for 19 years, echoed Tshabalala’s concerns. He supports the initiative to formalize businesses but insists the timeline is unrealistic.

“Now that black people are owning spaza shops, there’s pressure to register. The time given is insufficient,” Jani said. “If they don’t extend or assist, my Plan B is to use my earnings to distribute eggs and cheese to Kota vendors, avoiding compliance stress.”

Jabu Mathe, a spaza shop owner for over a decade, closed his business after Ekurhuleni health inspectors visited. The 21-day compliance period proved too short for him to resolve the highlighted issues.

“I rely on my pension grant now,” Mathe said. “The income from my spaza shop supported my family and even helped send my child to university. Closing down was a painful decision.”

For Khosi Nkosi, 50, the challenge lies in obtaining a rezoning certificate. “They need to clarify what rezoning means. I only occupy a small part of the house for my shop, not the entire yard,” she explained.

Spaza shop owners across the region are calling for clear guidelines and extended time to comply. The current deadline risks displacing many informal traders who rely on their businesses to survive.

Authorities face mounting pressure to either offer additional support or reconsider the strict timeframe for registration.

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