How to Register a Spaza Shop in South Africa: A Step-by-Step Guide
As the deadline for Spaza Shop Registration has arrived (and passed), many Spaza shop owners are requesting an extension to avoid closure. Which government has confirmed will not be offered.
Since the official notice in November, there has been a lot of confusion about the registration process and requirements, especially regarding food-handling facilities and foreign nationals. Owners wonder how to register a spaza shop online or at a municipality.
Spaza Shops play a very important role in the South African economy. According to Trade Intelligence, the size of Spaza Shops equals roughly R197 billion during 2023. Over 11 million South Africans purchase groceries at one of the approximately 150,000 Spaza shops in South Africa.
This article aims to provide a clear, step-by-step guide to registering your spaza shop, ensuring you meet legal requirements to keep your shop open. Answering the question of many “where can i register my spaza shop?”
Where can I register my Spaza Shop in South Africa?
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for all spaza shops and food-handling facilities to register with their local municipalities. This action makes sure that food safety laws are followed and that dangerous goods are taken off the market, keeping kids safe and preventing future outbreaks.
As of the end of February 2025, Tshwane received 4222 applications for Spaza Shop Registration. Only 192 met the registration criteria.
How to Register a Spaza Shop in South Africa (step-by-step)
There are two types of registrations available for the registration of your spaza shop:
Registration at Municipality: This registration focuses on obtaining a trading licence or permit that ensures compliance with local by-laws, health standards, and zoning regulations. This step is mandatory for all spaza shops to operate legally within their communities.
CIPC Registration: This registration involves registering your Spaza Shop as a legal entity with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission. Having a registered business separates personal and business liabilities and provides access to funding, loans, and Spaza Shop networks.
Municipal Registration
Registering your spaza shop with your local municipality is the first step to operating legally in your area.
Before starting the registration process, ensure you have all the required documents. Note that the requirements may be different from municipality to municipality in South Africa, so it’s important to check with your local municipality regarding what they require.
The Department of Economic Development and Tourism of the Western Cape Government has put together the following support information for Spaza Shop Owners.
Here’s what you need to know:
Required Documents:
- Certified ID or Passport: If you are a foreign national, ensure you have a certified copy of your passport, asylum seeker certificate or a refugee certificate, not older than 3 months.
- Business Visa: If you are a foreign national, you will need a valid business visa to operate a business in South Africa. This can be obtained from the South African embassy or consulate.
- Proof of Address: This could be a municipal utility bill, rental agreement, or an affidavit confirming your shop location.
- A copy of the Title Deed or Lease Agreement: If you are renting your shop site, you will need to provide a valid lease agreement as well as an affidavit and certified copy of the identity document of the stand or erf owner. If you are the owner of your property, you will need to provide the title deed.
- Zoning Certificate: Depending on your municipality and type of spaza shop, you may also need a Zoning Certificate or Special Consent Approval. This can be obtained from your local municipality.
- Affidavit: An official signed and stamped affidavit stating that you are not engaged in the trade of illegal goods.
- Banking Confirmation Letter: Proof of your South African business or personal bank account. This can be obtained directly from your bank.
- Tax Clearance Certificate: This is a document obtained from SARS to show that you have no outstanding taxes with SARS.
If you are a Food handling shop you will also need:
- Certificate of Acceptability: This is a certificate issued by your municipality’s Environmental Health Department to prove compliance with food safety standards.
- Menu: If you are a restaurant of café, you will need to provide a copy of your menu.
Spaza Shop Application Process:
The application process can be summed up in 4 easy steps, but keep in mind that that processes and timeframe may differ from municipality to municipality.
CIPC Registration
While registering with your municipality is essential, formalising your spaza shop through the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) offers even greater benefits. CIPC registration transforms your business into a legal entity, setting the foundation for financial growth and sustainability.
Steps to Register with CIPC:
Meeting Health and Safety Standards
Maintaining health and safety compliance is not only a legal requirement for spaza shops but also a crucial aspect of building trust with customers. Ensuring that your shop meets the required standards protects public health and positions your business as a reliable and responsible operation.
The scrutiny during the registration process of Spaza shops will be increased after all the string of health concerns highlighted.
Importance of Maintaining Health and Safety Compliance:
1. Food Safety Regulations: Spaza shops that sell food must adhere to strict cleanliness protocols. This includes:
- Regular sanitisation of surfaces and equipment.
- Proper storage of perishable goods at recommended temperatures to prevent spoilage.
- Efficient waste management to avoid contamination and pest infestations.
- Expired or counterfeit food products must never be sold, as they pose serious health risks.
2. Structural Requirements: Your shop must comply with zoning laws to operate legally in your area. This includes:
- Approved building plans that outline the shop’s layout and compliance with municipal by-laws.
- Adequate ventilation and lighting to ensure a safe environment for customers and staff.
- Structural integrity checks may also be required during inspections.
3. Operating Hours and Customer Safety Protocols: Adhere to municipal restrictions on operating hours, typically set between 07:00 and 21:00 and implement measures to ensure customer safety, such as:
- Maintaining clean walkways.
- Avoiding overcrowding within the shop.
- Displaying clear emergency exits.
How to Secure a Certificate:
To prove compliance with health standards, spaza shop owners must obtain the Certificate of Acceptability from their municipality’s Environmental Health Department. Here’s how:
Special Consideration for Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals play a significant role in the South African spaza shop sector. However, their registration process includes additional requirements to ensure compliance with immigration and business regulations.
Understanding and meeting these requirements is key to operating legally and securely.
Overview of Additional Requirements for Non-South Africans
Your Path to Business Success
Registering your spaza shop is more than just a legal obligation—it’s a vital step toward protecting your business, building customer trust, and unlocking new opportunities for growth. Compliance ensures your shop operates safely and legally while positioning you for financial and operational support from government initiatives.
At Company Partners, we understand the challenges that spaza shop owners face in navigating the complexities of registration. Our services are designed to make this process simpler and more accessible:
- We can assist with your Spaza Shop Registration and CIPC compliance, ensuring your business meets all legal requirements.
- We offer specialised support for foreign nationals, helping them overcome the unique challenges of setting up and running a business in South Africa.
