Jabulile Mbatha11 December 2024 | 7:45

Operation Dudula to monitor verification processes of spaza shop registrations

In November, Operation Dudula picketed outside registration sites, preventing foreign nationals from registering their spaza shops.

Operation Dudula to monitor verification processes of spaza shop registrations

Authorities conduct spaza shop inspections in Naledi, Soweto. Picture: Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness News

JOHANNESBURG - Operation Dudula says it will be closely monitoring the verification processes of spaza shop registrations

The legitimacy of supporting documents from spaza shop owners will follow after application forms are submitted to the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality.

The organisation said the city needs to be transparent during that time. 

In November, Operation Dudula picketed outside registration sites, preventing foreign nationals from registering spaza shops.

The movement's leader, Zandile Dabula said in an effort to stop undocumented foreign nationals from registering, they will keep an eye on the verification process.

READ: Operation Dudula: Ramaphosa choosing to prioritise foreign nationals over his own citizens

"We are hoping that after the 21 days which is probably this Friday... We will still continue communicating with them because we want to be included in all the processes, verification and all that just to ensure transparency," said Dabula.

Almost 6,000 Gauteng spaza shop owners have submitted applications to register their businesses. 

The City of Johannesburg says 25 of its registration points are seeing shop owners seeking to comply with the law. 

"Failure to comply with the registration timeline may result in the closure of an establishment operating without proper authorisation. The city is committed to ensuring that all spaza shop owners have the opportunity to register and contribute to the local economy," said the city’s spokesperson, Nthatisi Modingoane.