Spaza shop owners came out in their numbers to various Municipal Business Licensing Offices, including the head office located at the Embassy Building. Municipal staff assisted the owners with the process of completing registration forms to ensure that their spaza shops comply and trade legally.
Image: Phumla Khwela/eThekwini municipality
The eThekwini Municipality continues to call on spaza shop owners to register for their business licenses, even though the official registration deadline closed on February 28.
The City has reported positive progress, with a total of 6 110 applications submitted and approximately 1 562 licenses approved and issued to date. Despite the formal deadline passing, the registration process remains open, and business owners are encouraged to apply to ensure compliance.
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, said it was imperative for spaza shop owners to register their businesses.
“Although the national registration initiative has officially ended, registration is still mandatory. The campaign, which ran from November last year to 28 February, was initiated to address food safety concerns and formalise informal businesses. While the voluntary registration period has concluded, I strongly urge all unregistered business owners to act immediately,” said Mayor Xaba.
The municipality continues to provide registration services at five Regional Business Licensing Offices. Additionally, monthly compliance and empowerment workshops are being held in various wards, offering onsite registration and information to assist business owners.
“We remain committed to helping business owners meet regulatory requirements,” added Mayor Xaba.
With the deadline now passed, enforcement efforts will be intensified in collaboration with the Metro Police and other stakeholders. Businesses that fail to comply may face fines, warnings, or even forced closures.
“Since September last year, approximately 395 warnings and fines have been issued. We will continue to take action against non-compliant businesses,” he warned.
Business owners who missed the deadline or have yet to receive feedback on their applications are encouraged to visit their nearest Regional Business Licensing Office for assistance. They may also contact the office at 031 311 4535 or via email at licensing@durban.gov.za.
For license applications and further assistance, business owners can visit the following Regional Business Licensing Offices:
Business owners who missed the deadline or await feedback can visit their nearest Regional Business Licensing Office for assistance or contact 031 311 4535 / licensing@durban.gov.za.
Image: Phumla Khwela/eThekwini municipality