Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa, emphasised that the nation cannot afford to lose a single life to foodborne illnesses. He made this statement during a webinar with municipal leaders as part of the country’s drive to ensure that spaza shops and other businesses are registered and fully compliant by 13 December 2024.
The webinar focused on inducting leaders on the implementation of the Standard Draft By-laws for Township, Village, and Rural Economies (SDBs). These recently published by-laws, aim to support small businesses and address critical issues such as waste management and food safety, while promoting inclusive spatial and economic development.
Key interventions highlighted include removing hazardous pesticides, protecting children from exposure to harmful substances, and ensuring that businesses are properly registered. Hlabisa emphasised the urgent need for municipalities to adopt these by–laws and provide the necessary support to small businesses.
Mogale city is now expected to customise and implement the SDBs in line with Section 14 of the Municipal Systems Act. Following suit, the city’s Local Economic Development (LED) continues to advance its Lokiša Kgwebo Ya Gago/ Qondis’ Ishishini Lakho/Fix Your Business/ Maak Jou Besigheid Reg campaign, aimed at registering spaza shops and businesses.
To mark the culmination of this campaign, LED in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, will host a Township Commercial Property Owner’s Imbizo at the Kagiso Township Hall on 13 December 2024. The event will be held under the theme Empowering Gauteng Communities for a Compliant and Inclusive Economy. All Mogale city wards are expected to fully participate in this event.