Spaza shop owners across Mogale City responded to the national Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs’ Lokisha Kgwebo Ya Gago campaign launched last year to formalise the sector and improve regulatory compliance.
As part of the registration process, Mogale City received a total of 617 applications from spaza shop owners. However, the compliance assessment revealed that only five spaza shops fully complied with all applicable requirements.
While the low level of compliance remains a concern, the city’s Business Support Section continues to provide education, support and training to assist business owners in meeting the necessary legal and regulatory requirements.
The municipality is committed to working with informal traders to improve compliance while supporting local economic development. Efforts to regularise and formalise non-compliant businesses are ongoing.
In the meantime, residents are urged to exercise caution and avoid purchasing goods from non-compliant spaza shops. Such businesses may pose serious health and safety risks, including the sale of expired, counterfeit or contaminated food products, which can result in illness and, in severe cases, death.
Residents are encouraged to support businesses that visibly display a valid municipal trading permit, a Certificate of Acceptability for food safety, and proof of municipal registration. These documents are usually displayed on a counter or wall within the premises. Residents should also look for proper waste management practices and ensure that goods sold are within their expiry dates.
Spaza shop owners who have not yet registered are encouraged to do so by collecting an application form for a business licence from the Economic Development Services Department, located on the 3rd Floor of the Furn City Building, corner Human and Kruger Streets, Krugersdorp.
Application forms are also available on request via frieda.gumede@mogalecity.gov.za or can be downloaded online. Completed applications must be accompanied by the following supporting documentation:
- Certified copy of a valid South African ID document; or
- Certified copy of a valid passport with a visa authorising business operations; or
- Certified copy of an asylum seeker permit;
- Certified copy of a valid business licence;
- Certified copy of CIPC registration documents;
- Certified copy of SARS registration documents;
- Original proof of residence;
- Certified copy of a business bank account;
- Certificate of Acceptability issued by the West Rand District Municipality; and
- Fire compliance certificate issued by the West Rand District Municipality.
Learn more on how to formalise your business here