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Spaza Shop Landlords in Nelson Mandela Bay Face New Permit and Fee Challenges

Published November 26, 2024
2 months ago

In a revealing turnout, hundreds of landlords congregated at Babs Madlakane Hall in KwaNobuhle, Kariega, shocked by a newly imposed permit fee of R2,207 needed to legally rent out premises for spaza shops. This announcement came during a crucial meeting hosted by various stakeholders including the SAPS, community policing forum, and an association of spiritual leaders involved in crime prevention.





The session, primarily addressing landlords from diverse backgrounds including Pakistani, Somali, and Ethiopian communities, outlined stringent regulatory measures set by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Mthulisi Msimanga, the metro's director of land and planning, emphasized the critical need for compliance before initiating business operations, stating, “You’re not allowed to run a business before our approval.”


A significant part of the new regulatory framework involves a 14 to 30-day assessment period for application processing, during which businesses cannot operate. Detailed instructions were also provided for landlords to approach the municipal land planning offices, specifically excluding spaza shop owners from these visits.


Adding to the financial burdens were additional costs highlighted by Aretha Plata from the public health directorate. Landlords now face a R796 fee for a necessary business license, alongside mandatory requirements such as municipal consent for waste removal, pest control measures, and food safety training for handling both sealed and takeaway food items.


The role of the Spiritual Crime Prevention group, active in addressing community issues through their station office, was noted by Apostle Nceba Jantjies. He advocated for the longstanding landlords, criticizing the municipality’s delayed regulatory responses which could potentially harm local entrepreneurs who have been providing livelihood opportunities to immigrants for over a decade.


One pressing issue raised by landlord Mnyamezeli Luphondwana highlighted fears that converting residences to business premises might risk their eligibility for government social grants, a critical source of income for many.


The meeting concluded in a somewhat chaotic manner as attendees scrambled to receive their application forms, signaling a desperate rush towards compliance among the local spaza shop community.


This shift in regulatory and financial expectations could reshape the small business landscape in Nelson Mandela Bay, challenging both local and immigrant entrepreneurs to adapt swiftly to maintain their operations within legal boundaries.


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