Tag Archives: the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA)

SA mourns the death of Kgosi Bogosieng Mahura

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Picture: The Chief of Batlhaping Baga Phuduhutswana in the Northern Cape, Kgosi Bogosieng Mahura

By BAKANG MOKOTO

18 December 2025- The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa said he is deeply saddened by the passing of Kgosi Bogosieng Mahura of Batlhaping ba ga Phuduhutswana in the Northern Cape. Hlabisa said Mahura was the eldest member of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders.

“It is sad that the institution of traditional and khoi-san leadership loses one of its elders when we were still looking forward to continuing to draw from his wealth of knowledge and wisdom.

“Mahura was known for speaking truth to power and was one of our exceptional leaders who led from the front on all key matters relating to the development of communities,” he said.

Hlabisa further said in meetings of the National House and government, he clearly articulated the priorities of the institution of traditional and khoi-san leadership and shared proposed solutions. He added that notwithstanding the fact that he was fluent in both English and Afrikaans, he took pride in expressing himself in his home language of Setswana, demonstrating his commitment to the promotion of our indigenous languages as a nation.

“We will also remember Mahura for his admirable recollection of the history of traditional leadership in the country. He would often remind us of how things were during the homelands system and the lessons that we should draw from those years, as well as the mistakes that we should not repeat.

“His passing symbolises a burning library, and it is indeed a loss to the institution of traditional and khoi-san leadership and those of us who work with the institution to address the plight of traditional and khoi-san communities,” said Hlabisa.

He said on behalf of the government and the Ministry of CoGTA, he wishes to extend heartfelt condolences to the Mahura Royal Family, the traditional community he served, the leadership and members of the Northern Cape National Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders and all those who were touched by his life. Hlabisa said South Africa has lost a revered traditional leader, a custodian of culture, and a servant of the people.

“May our good Lord rest his soul in eternal peace,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul said: “Mahura served as a member of the John Taolo Gaetsewe Local House of Traditional Leaders, He also represented Dikgosi at the Joe Morolong Local Municipality, in line with Section 81 of the Municipal Systems Act, which interfaced with municipal council’s, through participation of Traditional Leaders in Municipalities.

“Mahura was a member of the Northern Cape Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, where he served in the Gender and Social Development Committee.”

Saul said Mahura was also the longest serving member of the National House of Traditional and Khoisan leaders, as one of the three Dikgosi representing the Northern Cape. He said in serving his community with fairness, wisdom and distinction, Mahura served with a deep sense of Ubuntu and great care.

“Moreover his polite yet warm demeanour coupled with inexorably championing the interests of the Baga Mahura Traditional Community, are indelibly etched in the memory of his community which he served with unflinching commitment.

“In mourning the great loss of Mahura, we trust that his legacy in matters of community building, cultural preservation and the stability of the Ba ga Mahura Traditional Community will live on in perpetuity for the people he so caringly served,” said Saul.

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Govt extends deadline for registration of spaza shops  

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Picture: Spaza shops being inspected/Generic 

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 December 2024- As many spaza shop owners grappled with registration, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa announced the extension of the deadline for registration of spaza shops and other food handling outlets.

Hlabisa provided an update regarding the government’s work in implementing the action plan to address the challenges arising from food-borne illnesses.

“In the address to the nation on 15 November 2024, following the deaths of children due to food-borne illnesses, amongst measures adopted by the government, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined a key compliance intervention on the regulation of spaza shops.

“Ramaphosa directed that all spaza shops and other food handling facilities must be registered within the municipalities in which they operate within 21 days from the date of his address and that any shop that is not registered within 21 days and does not meet all health standards and requirements is closed,” he said.

Hlabisa further said the 21-day period directed by Ramaphosa for registering all spaza shops and other food handling outlets ended yesterday. He added that the government still needs to do more work to ensure that the sector is properly regulated and adheres to health regulations.

“The government understands the concerns raised by some stakeholders regarding the registration deadline for spaza shops. However, it must be noted that the initial deadline was set to address the urgent need to ensure compliance with health and safety standards following the tragic incidents of food-borne illnesses. 

“Registration ensures that all spaza shops meet minimum standards, regardless of their past operations. In considering whether or not to extend the registration deadline, the government considers its commitment to supporting small businesses, prioritising health and safety, ensuring inclusivity and fairness, and maintaining its integrity,” said Hlabisa.

He said the municipal processes of adopting and adapting the by-laws as gazetted him on 7 November 2024, are highly regulated and need a lot of consultation to complete. Hlabisa said nevertheless, a lot of work was done over the 21 days of registration period.

“In consultation with the President, therefore, the government has resolved to extend the registration deadline for all spaza shops and other food-handling outlets to 28 February 2025.

“Prior to the revised deadline of 28 February 2025, the government in all its spheres will continue to implement the action plan to address the crisis of foodborne illnesses and the illicit trade of goods across the country. Those who have registered their businesses and have duly received their acknowledgement of registration still need to undertake a further process to obtain their trading licenses,” he said.

Hlabisa said for this process, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) and other regulatory authorities will still inspect owners of registered food-related trading businesses to ensure that their businesses are eligible to trade.

He said notwithstanding the holiday scaling down of operations, municipalities must still reserve capacity to assist those who will be registering.

“We also urge business owners to continue with their registration process within their respective municipalities and not wait until the next registration deadline,” said Hlabisa.

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