South Africa’s informal retail sector, particularly Spaza stores, plays a critical role in providing goods and services to close to 11.1 million South Africans, generating more than 3 million jobs and contributing approximately 5.2% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. With an estimated 150,000 Spaza stores operating nationwide, the government’s push for formal registration seeks to introduce regulation, safety, and compliance to this vital R197 billion sector.