How to register a spaza shop in South Africa

Attention all spaza shop owners – if you haven’t registered your shop yet, now’s the time to do it.

The government has made it compulsory for ALL spaza shops and food-handling businesses in South Africa to register before December 13, 2024.

If you miss the deadline, your shop could be shut down, and you might face fines or other problems. But don’t worry—it’s actually pretty simple to register your shop if you know what to do and who to go to for help (which is what we’re here for!)

We’ll go through…

• WHY you need to register.
• WHERE to go.
• HOW to do it, step by step.

Let’s get you registered and keep your shop open!

Why Do You Need to Register Your Spaza Shop?

First things first—why is this so important?

1. It’s the Law

The government has made it a rule: every spaza shop must register.

If your shop isn’t registered by December 13 2024, it could be shut down.

1. It’s About Safety

There have been terrible cases where food sold by unregistered shops made people sick. Sadly, some children even died after eating contaminated snacks.

The government wants to make sure all shops are following food safety rules.

1. Your Customers Will Trust You More

A registered shop shows that you’re serious about safety and the law. Customers will feel safer buying from you, and that means more business for you (and more income!)

1. You’ll Be Ready for Future Opportunities

If you’re registered, you can qualify for government help in the future, like…

• Loans
• Funding
• Training programs for small businesses

Where to Register

You’ll need to register your shop with two places:

1. Your Municipality: This is the office that handles local services in your area.
2. The CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission): This registers your shop as a legal business in South Africa – Govchain can help you with this one.

Where Do You Register Your Spaza Shop?

You need to register your spaza shop at your local municipality office. This is the office that handles services for your area or township.

How to Find Your Municipality:

1. Search your municipality’s name online (e.g., “City of Johannesburg Municipality”) to find their website.
2. Call them to ask for the address of the office and their hours.
3. If you’re not sure where to go, ask other shop owners or people in your area.

Some municipalities have set up special desks just for spaza shop registration. Others may even offer online registration—but not all do, so it’s better to call and check, just to be safe!

How to Register Your Spaza Shop with Your Municipality

Let’s get into the step-by-step process. Don’t worry—it’s easier than you think!

Step 1: Get Your Documents Ready

Before you go to the municipality, make sure you have these documents:

• Your ID (if you’re South African) OR passport and visa/refugee permit (if you’re a foreign national).
• Proof of Address: This could be a water and electricity bill, rental agreement, or letter showing your shop’s address.
• Application Form: Get this from your municipality’s office or their website.
• Business Details: Write down what your shop sells (e.g., snacks, groceries, or household items).
• Affidavit: A signed statement saying your business follows the law and doesn’t sell anything illegal.

Pro tip: If you can, make copies of all your documents before you hand them in!

Step 2: Go to Your Municipality Office

Take your documents to the municipal office in your area.

Once you’re there:

1. Submit your application form and all the documents.
2. If you’re not sure about something, ask the staff for help—they’re there to help you.
3. Keep the receipt or reference number they give you. This is proof that you’ve applied.

Step 3: Wait for Approval

After you’ve applied, the municipality will review your documents.

They might also check to make sure your shop is following the rules and isn’t selling anything illegal.

This part can take a while, so don’t leave it until the last minute!

Step 4: Get Your Registration Permit

Once your application is approved, you’ll get a registration card or permit.

This is super important because it proves that your shop is legal.

What to Do with Your Permit:

• Display it in your shop where everyone can see it.
• Keep it safe because you’ll need it for inspections in the future.

What If You’re a Foreign National?

If you’re not South African, the process is a bit different…

You’ll need to give in the above documents, but also show proof that you’re allowed to run a business in South Africa.

This means providing a valid passport, asylum seeker permit, or refugee permit AND a valid business visa.

How to Register Your Spaza Shop with the CIPC

While it’s not always required (if you’re a sole trader), registering your shop with the CIPC is a smart move. Here’s why:

1. It Makes Your Business Official

When you register with the CIPC, your spaza shop becomes a legal entity. This shows customers, suppliers, and even banks that your business is legitimate. It also means your business’ debt won’t affect your personal finances.

1. It Opens Doors to Opportunities

Registered businesses can apply for:

• Loans
• Funding
• Government programs

You’ll also be better prepared to grow your shop in the future.

How to Register with the CIPC

You can register your shop with the CIPC online through their CIPC e-Services.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A name for your business (here’s a company name search tool to check if your name is available)
• Your ID (or passport if you’re a foreign national)
• An email address and phone number

The process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.

Make It Easy with Govchain

Let’s be honest—dealing with paperwork, deadlines and government offices can be stressful, especially if you’re busy running your shop.

This is where Govchain comes in. We’re here to help!

Govchain is a trusted service that helps business owners handle registrations quickly and correctly, simplifying the process for you and making sure everything is done properly the first time.

With Govchain, registering your business with the CIPC will be done in a week or less, and you won’t have to stress about it – it’ll be taken care of for you!

They can also help you with your taxes and other compliance requirements.

Want to register your shop the easy way? Govchain will take care of everything for you.

If you have any questions about registering your spaza shop, our Support Team is always happy to help!