uMyFriend: If I was born here, I’d be rich by now

IN November 2024, 23 kids died from a spaza shop food poisoning outbreak in Gauteng.

This came from unregistered spaza shops that purchased stock from unknown suppliers. Following the incident, the Department of Education banned spaza shops from selling near schools.

Later, they lifted the ban and introduced new regulations that shops should follow to continue selling. The ban had caused significant income loss.

The registration deadline was extended to February 2025 to help all spaza shop owners comply.

The new regulations require getting a trading licence or permit, sourcing stock from reputable stores, maintaining good hygiene, and properly packaging and storing products.

Ashu Hashun (30) from Thembisa, Hospital View, Ekurhuleni, said he appreciated the extension, as he was initially unable to register on time.

“I’m happy now. I have a permit and a Sars certificate. I can show you all of them, and they are original. I came here to do honest business, not criminality. I registered even before the government announcement, but I went again,” he said.

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Another spaza shop owner, Thomas Makdes (27), stated that the registration extension meant a lot.

“I’m from Ethiopia and came here legally with correct papers. I’m here to make money for my family. This country has many business opportunities. If I was born here, I’d be rich by now. I feel good registering, and no one will bother me,” he said.

The Thembisa community is also happy knowing that spaza shop owners have registered to run their businesses.

Matebogo Mofokeng, a community member said: “I’m happy they registered their businesses and will comply with the law, ensuring our kids are safe. Sometimes, when you send a kid to a reputable store, they might still stop at spaza shops, buy the wrong things, and consume them without parents knowing.”