Gauteng MEC Lebogang Maile vows to take strong action against illegal spaza shops, including demolitions, amid rising tensions between local and foreign business owners.

Gauteng Finance MEC Lebogang Maile has made a bold promise to eliminate what he referred to as “bogus” spaza shops operating in the province, a move that has left many questioning the future of local businesses and foreign entrepreneurs.

Speaking in Johannesburg on Thursday, Maile warned that the government would not hesitate to take decisive action against foreign nationals accused of intimidating local spaza shop owners.

These accusations stemmed from reports where local store owners claimed that foreigners had been bullying them, instructing them to close their businesses because the local trade was allegedly “theirs.”

In response to these allegations, Maile sent a strong message to those operating illicit spaza shops and warned that the government would do everything within its power to ensure the safety of South African citizens.

“We will protect our citizens against criminality,” he asserted. “Our duty is clear, and we will deploy more resources to protect our people from intimidation.”

Maile’s comments came as the government extended the deadline for spaza shop registration, which had initially caused frustrations among many shop owners.

The new deadline, set for February 28, will give owners more time to submit their documentation and secure their registration.

The controversy surrounding the spaza shop registration process has sparked widespread debate in Gauteng, with many questioning how the government plans to enforce these new regulations.

Maile updated the public on the current status of the registration process, revealing that the number of applications had surged significantly.

Just ten days ago, the number of spaza shops that had been issued application forms stood at 13,616, but that figure has since risen dramatically to 21,172.

Over 7,000 new applications were recorded in the short span, and as of now, 10,389 forms have already been submitted across all Gauteng municipalities.

In a bid to address concerns about incomplete applications, Maile confirmed that the number of returned forms due to missing documentation had also risen, now standing at 2,677—an increase of over 700 since the last update.

This indicates that the registration process has faced some challenges, as many applicants, both locals and foreigners, struggle to meet the requirements.

The MEC also addressed the issue of foreign nationals operating spaza shops in the region.

The latest figures show that the number of applications submitted by non-South Africans stands at 2,818, an increase of 213 since the previous report.

However, Maile’s comments about “bogus” spaza shops and the government’s intention to demolish businesses built on municipal property have raised alarm.

The MEC warned that any spaza shops constructed on critical infrastructure, such as water pipelines and electrical lines, would be demolished, citing concerns about the protection of vital services for local communities.

In cases where structures are found to be illegally erected on such infrastructure, demolition would be the last resort, Maile stated.

The government will attempt to regularize these businesses, but if that proves impossible, the structures would be removed.

“It is important to note that our approach to this issue is developmental,” Maile emphasized.

“We understand the economic and financial implications of demolishing businesses, but we will do so if it is necessary to protect critical infrastructure.”

The warning to demolish “bogus” spaza shops, many of which are reportedly operating without the necessary registration or on municipal land, is likely to have a profound impact on both local and foreign entrepreneurs in Gauteng.

The government’s crackdown on illegal businesses appears to be gaining momentum, as authorities step up efforts to regulate the sector and ensure that all spaza shops comply with the new registration rules.

While the government has extended the registration deadline, the pressure on spaza shop owners to complete their applications and meet the required standards is mounting.

One of the key points of contention in the spaza shop registration process is the growing number of foreign nationals entering the market.

While many South Africans have expressed concerns about foreign ownership of spaza shops, the government has not indicated any plans to restrict the participation of foreigners in the sector.

Instead, the focus appears to be on ensuring that all spaza shops, whether owned by locals or foreigners, are properly registered and comply with the necessary regulations.

Maile’s commitment to providing resources to protect South Africans from intimidation has sparked further debate about how the government plans to balance the interests of local businesses with the growing presence of foreign entrepreneurs in the spaza shop sector.

The controversy surrounding the registration of spaza shops in Gauteng is part of a broader national debate about the role of foreigners in the South African economy, particularly in sectors like retail.

While many local business owners have voiced concerns about foreign dominance in the spaza shop market, others argue that foreigners contribute to the economy by providing jobs and services that benefit local communities.

The government’s latest actions, including the extension of the registration deadline and the promise to demolish illegal structures, suggest that authorities are taking the issue seriously and are committed to ensuring that all spaza shops operate within the law.

The focus on spaza shops comes at a time when the South African government is also grappling with other pressing economic issues, including unemployment and the rising cost of living.

In this context, the spaza shop sector has become an increasingly important area of focus for both the government and local communities.

While the outcome of the registration process remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the government’s efforts to regulate the spaza shop market are unlikely to be without controversy.

As Gauteng prepares for further developments in the registration process, business owners and foreign entrepreneurs alike will be closely watching to see how the government handles this complex issue.

With the deadline for registration now extended, many hope that the government’s intervention will lead to a more orderly and fair system for all spaza shops operating in the region.

However, with the promise of demolitions and the continued rise in the number of applications, the future of spaza shops in Gauteng remains uncertain.

Will the government succeed in its bid to regulate the sector, or will tensions between local and foreign business owners continue to escalate? Only time will tell.