Support for spaza shop owners
The registration of spaza shops and other food handling outlets
In the address to the nation on the 15th of November 2024, following the deaths of children due to food-borne illnesses, amongst measures adopted by the government, President Ramaphosa outlined a key compliance intervention on the regulation of spaza shops. The President directed that all spaza shops and other food handling facilities must be registered within the municipalities in which they operate.
In consultation with the President, the government has resolved to extend the registration deadline for all Spaza Shops and other food-handling outlets to 28 February 2025.
Business Registration Guidelines
The first process is business compliance where you need to register the Spaza shops or any food handling business.
The second process is compliance with health regulations. This process does not depend on whether you are registered or not. If you don’t comply with the health regulations the business will be closed down immediately.
To register your business with Environmental Health, you can find the nearest Western Cape Environmental Health registration centre closest to you.
Municipalities
City of Cape Town
- Informal Trading Policy
- Informal Trading Permits: https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/doing-business-in-the-city/business-support-and-guidance/informal-trading#Heading2
- National regulations governing food hygiene and transport
- City of Cape Town Informal Trading Website: https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/doing-business-in-the-city/business-support-and-guidance/informal-trading#Heading4
- Informal Trading Frequently Asked Questions - City of Cape Town
- Business License Application
- Eservices Business User Manual
Stellenbosch
- https://stellenbosch.gov.za/download/item-15-1-draft-bylaw-on-township-economies-and-the-registration-of-spaza-shops/; https://stellenbosch.gov.za/?s=spaza
George
Food Safety
The below guides and documents are made available for all spaza shop owners to remain compliant with food safety regulations.
- As a Spaza Shop handling foodstuff, you need to be in possession of a valid Certificate of Acceptability issued by the City. Find out how you can apply for a certificate of acceptability
Certificate of Acceptability (CoCT)Application Form
- You can download the Spaza Shop Health & Safety Handbook that provides clear, concise instructions on health and safety procedures, ensuring employees understand their responsibilities and how to handle potential hazards.
You can locate an Environmental Health office in your area, where they can assist in arranging training sessions for you on basic food safety.
Business Support
Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA)
Contact the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) for registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and other available support measures at:
- Bellville
23 Vrede Street
Lowville Place, 2nd Floor
Tel: (021) 949 2227
- George
1st floor, Old Mutual Building
Crn York Road & Hibernia
Tel: (044) 803 4900
- Stellenbosch
1st Floor Eikestad Mall
43 Andringa Street
Tel: (021) 861 4800