The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on foodborne illnesses and illicit goods today, 28 February 2025, would like to announce the deadline for registration for spaza shops and other food handling outlets.
On November 15, 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a 21-day period for the registration of food handling business. This was extended on 18 December 2024 to 28 February 2025.
Following several engagements within the IMC and in consultation with the President, a decision has been taken not to extend the deadline of the 28th February 2025 as ample time was given to business owners to comply with the Presidential directive.
Ministers Aaron Motsoaledi and Velenkosini Hlabisa as the Co-Chairs of the IMC are pleased with the progress achieved thus far regarding the implementation of the government interventions as previously announced by the President of the Republic.
“We have learnt valuable lessons in a short space of time during this period especially regarding the need for strengthened enforcement of regulation of the Spaza Shops and other food handling outlets” they said.
The IMC has overseen implementation of the Action Plan by the multi-disciplinary teams at the NATJOINTS drawn from the commitments made by the President in his 15 November address to the nation, in which he announced three key objectives:
1. The first intervention is to get hazardous pesticides off the street.
2. The second critical intervention is to protect children from exposure to these substances.
3. The third critical intervention is to prevent future outbreaks.
A Media Briefing by the IMC will be convened to give comprehensive feedback on the progress against these objectives.
It is important to emphasise that the work of multi-disciplinary teams under the NATJOINTS will continue beyond this deadline. Enforcement of the law is not an event, and we are committed to ensuring a continuation of the work to formalise, regularise the sector and compliance with the law. This includes warehouses and other establishments that unlawfully stock hazardous chemicals, banned substances and pesticides.
We have strengthened our capacity and systems to monitor and database this sector. This will enhance our ability to support and encourage their growth and formalisation, while at the same time ensuring adherence to business registration and food safety laws including municipal by-laws.
The IMC emphasises that registration alone does not mean that a business is eligible to trade. To obtain a licence or a permit to trade, business owners must comply with all health regulations and municipal by-laws related with conducting a business.
Where business owners are found to be non-compliant, the law will be enforced and this includes fines, arrests and closures as applicable.
In conclusion, the Co-Chairs said; “We want to emphasize that our cardinal aim is to help businesses to comply with the law and to ensure the safety of our citizens and children.
Working together we can build a safer, healthier, and more equitable food ecosystem for all South Africans.
For media enquiries:
Mr Legadima Leso
Cell: 066 479 9904 (CoGTA)
Mava Scott
Cell: 083 391 2947 (GCIS)
