Update| Thousands Of Spaza Shops In Gauteng Face Closure Over Non-Compliance

Thousands of spaza shops and food outlets in Gauteng face closure, following the province’s spaza shop registration drive, which ended on 28 February 2025.

Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, provided an update on the initiative on Sunday, acknowledging both business owners’ patience and the commitment of officials throughout the registration process.

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The registration drive was introduced in 2024 in response to multiple food poisoning incidents. It aims to prevent the sale of hazardous food, particularly to children.

According to key findings from the Registration Drive shows that;
17,617 applications submitted in person
29,116 inspections conducted
7,107 applications from foreign nationals
15,478 businesses deemed non-compliant
498 shops shut down immediately

Maile highlighted persistent non-compliance throughout the programme, citing concerns over food safety standards and environmental regulations. The initiative also touched on the contentious issue of foreign-owned spaza shops, which has been a subject of ongoing debate in the province.

Additionally, the Common Non-Compliance Issues includes;
❌ Failure to meet food safety regulations
❌ Operating in undeclared townships
❌ Submission of fraudulent documents
❌ Verification delays for foreign nationals
❌ Building regulation violations

Maile acknowledged that the high cost of business licences remains a major barrier, especially for local entrepreneurs.

However, Government intervention is being considered to support compliant, locally owned enterprises, though specific measures have yet to be announced.

“We understand the limitations in communication, so we didn’t just rely on social media and mainstream media—we went directly to business owners,” Maile said.

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With thousands of businesses at risk of closure, affected shop owners will need to rectify compliance issues to continue operating. Meanwhile, the Gauteng government is expected to clarify future support mechanisms for those struggling with compliance costs as soon as is needed.

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