Final Countdown for Foreign Nationals to Register Businesses in Newcastle, Residents Warned Against Offering Support

Final Countdown for Foreign Nationals to Register Businesses in Newcastle, Residents Warned Against Offering Support

Amid rising national concerns over food poisoning incidents linked to tuckshops and spaza shops, the countdown has now begun for foreign nationals to register their businesses by Friday, 13 December 2024. Furthermore, Newcastle residents have been explicitly instructed not to assist foreign nationals in operating their businesses. Failure to comply with these regulations will compel the Newcastle Municipality to take legal action against all offenders.

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This move comes as part of the Municipality’s efforts to ensure that these businesses no longer operate unchecked, especially given the large number of tuckshops and spaza shops currently running in both Newcastle West and Newcastle East.

Addressing the situation, the Newcastle Municipality’s Communications Unit revealed that foreign nationals who own tuckshops in Newcastle recently visited the Newcastle Show Hall, accompanied by their landlords, to receive guidance and assistance regarding the registration of their businesses. Additionally, officials from the Department of Home Affairs, Local Economic Development (LED), and other government departments were present to offer their support and explain the processes involved in legalising their businesses.

In light of this, Newcastle’s Mayor, Cllr Xolani Dube, expressed that while the Municipality welcomed business owners who contribute positively to the local economy, it was crucial for all businesses to operate within the bounds of the law. “We will not tolerate any form of illegality, and we expect all business owners, including foreign nationals, to comply with our laws and regulations,” emphasised Cllr Dube.

Moreover, the Municipality has issued a warning to residents not to allow undocumented immigrants to operate shops within their properties. Urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement, Cllr Dube stated, “We will not hesitate to take action against anyone found to be operating outside the law.”

As part of a national initiative to regulate informal businesses, the Municipality’s Communications Unit highlighted that the government has set a strict deadline of 13 December 2024 for all spaza shop owners and vendors to register their businesses. Business owners are required to submit an application form, which is available either physically or via the municipality’s website.

The necessary documentation includes:

• Business owner’s details: Full name, surname, gender, disability status, and identity number.
• Business information: Physical and postal address, location, and description of goods or services.
• Citizenship status: Passport number, asylum seeker permit, refugee permit, or valid visa.
• Affidavit: Confirming that the business does not engage in illegal activities and will operate in compliance with relevant standards and norms.

In this regard, the Communications Unit further noted that the Municipality may conduct background checks to verify the legitimacy of business operations. “Once the application is approved, the business owner will receive a registration card or permit, which must be prominently displayed and available for inspection,” stated the Communications Unit.

Additionally, it was underscored that assisting or enabling illegal foreign nationals to conduct business in South Africa is a criminal offence, as per the Immigration Act of 2002.

With the final registration deadline fast approaching, and residents cautioned against assisting foreign nationals with their business operations, how do you feel about the situation? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Comments 6

  1. Robert Ndlovu says:

    Here at jobstown we dont have some other documents like street adress and others but im a south african plse help

  2. Aswad says:

    The Accounting firms based in town should be made aware of this news. Foreigners have been flocking to some for “fixes”. There’s been queues of them outside certain accounting firms.

  3. Anton says:

    In previous years all & everybody that had a business had a hawkers license, even a cyclist to ride a bicycle,but as time passed no inspectors applied that rule because they said it was old regime, the municipal inspectors are to be blamed for nit doing their employment duties. It s good that everyone should be registered that’s doing a business because they get the same police protection. The system should be the same for everybody & not discriminate towards anyone. All of us is contributing to our economy & create employment opportunities. even that one that’s selling at the traffic light/corners.
    Be respectful to all that wants to employ himself

  4. Anton says:

    All the foreigners in our country contributed alot to our economy growth. Don’t blame them rather thank them.
    They brought a shop on your door step were we saved alot,than taking transport to a big shop, were cost s involved, life was made convenient, thanks

  5. Lebojoy says:

    More time required because there’s a lot of challenges along the registrations
    We must be given until January end atleast

  6. MisterG says:

    21 days to register? The wheels of government turns very, very slowly and 21 months would not be enough time to complete registration, but then, a few handfuls of palm grease usually speeds up things, doesn’t it?
    Why are only Spaza shops owned by foreign nationals targeted?
    What about locals? Are locals beyond reproach?
    What about street vendors?
    Who is going to police the trading permits of Spaza shops and street vendors? It was not done in the past “due to the lack of resources and budget restraints”. This will not change now, or, in the future with the permit system in place.

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