Update
GEORGE NEWS - George Municipality's Environmental Health section has received 330 applications from spaza shop owners, with 70 temporary permits issued thus far.
"Inspections are ongoing, and final figures will be available after February," says Director of Community Services Dawie Adonis.
"The permits issued are all temporary and owners have been tasked with obtaining their approvals from municipal departments within six months from the date the licence was issued. Such approvals relate to building plans and town planning."
This local initiative forms part of the national drive to have spaza shops registered. The sector comprises an estimated 150 000 to 200 000 businesses across South Africa.
The registration drive aims to enhance food safety and regulatory compliance after more than 890 cases of serious foodborne illness, resulting in nearly 30 deaths, were reported since September 2024.
In October last year, six primary school children from Naledi, Soweto, died after allegedly consuming snacks from a local spaza shop.
Spaza shop owners and vendors were initially given a 21-day registration period, which was extended to the end of February. After this deadline, unregistered businesses may face penalties as enforcement will continue to ensure compliance.
In George, spaza shop owners can obtain application forms at the Department for Environmental Services, 82 Meade Street.
Completed forms must be submitted to the municipality. When approved, a registration card or permit will be issued, which must be displayed and available for inspection.
George Municipality received 330 applications from spaza shop owners in the area.‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
