South Africans who register businesses for undocumented foreigners will face serious consequences, warns Gauteng Finance MEC Lebogang Maile. This follows reports on social media claiming that citizens were registering spaza shops for foreigners in exchange for money. It is also common for South Africans to allow undocumented foreigners to use their homes or properties for business.
Maile addressed the media at a briefing on Tuesday, where he presented the Provincial Government’s plan to help spaza shop owners register their businesses and meet required standards. Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that all spaza shops and food-handling businesses must register within 21 days. He warned that any shop that fails to register and meet health standards would be shut down. The initiative aims to reduce food-borne illnesses, which have recently caused the deaths of at least 22 children.
South Africans have called for government action, blaming the lack of regulation for these deaths. Maile warned that shop owners who fail to comply could face legal consequences. “If an accident happens, you will be held accountable,” he said. However, he assured the public that municipal and provincial officials would deploy building inspectors and environmental health officers to monitor compliance. While he acknowledged limited capacity, he promised they would ensure registration is done properly.
Maile also emphasized that the government would make every effort to be present at every spaza shop. “We will be everywhere, like the Holy Spirit,” he said. He also requested police presence at registration sites to address concerns about unregistered spaza shops operated by foreigners.
Foreign nationals wishing to open businesses must present valid documentation from the Department of Home Affairs, such as a business visa or work permit. To qualify for a business visa, a foreigner must either invest R5 million into an existing business or provide a business plan with proof of this capital.
Regarding concerns from business owners about the 21-day deadline, Maile encouraged them to begin the registration process immediately. He noted that the 21-day timeline was set by President Ramaphosa and could not be changed. Registration points will be available at several municipalities, including the City of Tshwane, Mogale City, Rand West, Ekurhuleni, Emfuleni, Lesedi, and Johannesburg.