Multi-disciplinary blitz focuses on compliance in local informal trading sector

The EMPD shut down one spaza shop and penalised several others during a joint operation in the Duduza and Dunnotar areas on October 22.

The initiative focused strictly on business compliance and legal regulations within the local informal trading sector.

The multi-disciplinary blitz was conducted by the EMPD By-Law Compliance and Enforcement Unit alongside teams from economic development, environmental health, building control, and city planning.

Out of 14 shops inspected, 11 were found to be non-compliant. Officers issued verbal warnings to 11 owners, served two written notices, closed one shop, and revoked one Certificate of Acceptability due to failure to meet legal requirements.

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“We want to help our local traders thrive, but doing the right thing and complying with the law is non-negotiable,” said MMC for Infrastructure and Economic Development, Clr Dora Mlambo, who joined the operation to educate owners.

“The government has established a Spaza Shop Fund to assist financially struggling businesses, but you can only qualify for this funding if your business is registered and fully compliant.”

The City of Ekurhuleni confirmed that these spaza shop operations will continue across all regions to ensure every business owner adheres to regulatory laws.

Local traders seeking information on business registration and government funding are encouraged to visit the economic development offices at their nearest customer care centre.

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Stacy Slatter 1 minute read Facebook X LinkedIn Tumblr Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram Share via Email Print Support local journalism Add The Citizen as a preferred source to see more from African Reporter in Google News and Top Stories.