Registration deadline of spaza shops extended after outcry

The registration deadline for all spaza shops and other food handling outlets has been extended to 28 February.

- Carien Grobler

The 21-day registration period as declared by President Cyril Ramaphosa last month, after the death of more than 20 children due to suspected food contamination linked to these shops, ended on Tuesday.

But during a media briefing yesterday, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa said government must increase efforts to ensure the sector is properly regulated and complies with health regulations.

"We are aware of some who have encountered obstacles, which prevented them from complying with the 21-day registration period," Hlabisa said. "Before the revised deadline, the government in all its spheres will continue to implement the action plan to address the crisis of foodborne illnesses and the illicit trade of goods across the country."