Gauteng Finance MEC Raises Concerns Over Non-Compliance of Spaza Shops

Gauteng Finance MEC, Lebogang Maile, has voiced concerns regarding the significant non-compliance within spaza shops across the province, prompting the closure of 296 shops, primarily in Johannesburg. This follows the completion of over 23,000 inspections across key municipalities, which revealed widespread violations of regulations.

GAUTENG FINANCE MEC LEBOGANG MAILE GIVES AN UPDATE ON REGISTRATION OF SPAZA SHOPS https://t.co/mMKxUVvZFJ

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) February 2, 2025

Maile shared that Johannesburg has received 2,179 applications for spaza shop operations, with 593 of these submitted by foreign nationals. Tshwane reported a similar trend with 4,109 applications, of which 1,879 were from foreigners. Other municipalities such as Sedibeng and Rand West City have also noted a considerable number of applications from foreign-owned businesses.

The MEC stressed that local authorities would continue rigorous inspections and shut down businesses failing to adhere to regulations. In Johannesburg, 7,802 inspections were conducted, resulting in 1,444 non-compliant spaza shops. Tshwane reported 5,851 inspections, with 1,905 violations. Ekurhuleni showed an alarming 8,848 non-compliant shops out of 9,433 inspections.

Maile emphasized that illegal immigrants would be prohibited from operating businesses in Gauteng, reinforcing the province’s commitment to upholding regulations and enforcing compliance across all sectors.

UPDATE ON THE REGISTRATION OF SPAZA SHOPS AND FOOD-HANDLING FACILITIES

Joint plans by municipalities and digitisation of the application process

Various municipalities across the Gauteng Province have developed an online portal registration system to ease the process of… pic.twitter.com/rGjj3Pzbkn

— Lebogang Maile (@LebogangMaile1) February 2, 2025