Who is RASA? | SME South Africa

Entrepreneurs operating in the restaurant industry have a lot of regulations to comply with, but thankfully, there are organisations that exist to protect restaurateurs. One of these key players is RASA. This article will explore the function and role of this association and highlight how it supports restaurants and their owners.

Understanding RASA’s Role

RASA, which stands for the Restaurant Association of South Africa, is an organisation that acts as the voice of the restaurant industry. Since its formation in 2004, RASA has served to protect the interests of restaurant owners.

The Restaurant Association of South Africa engages with the government when restaurateurs are severely impacted. This includes times of industry change or government-imposed restrictions, such as the crises during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organisation plays a crucial role in uplifting the restaurant industry by pushing high standards and implementing regulations. In addition, they provide a platform to celebrate restaurants that go above and beyond in providing quality service.

RASA Membership Benefits

There are several benefits that come with being a member, these benefits include:

Advocacy against anti-restaurant initiatives: Restaurant Association of South Africa handles initiatives that may negatively impact the restaurant industry, working to resolve issues that could harm the reputation or financial viability of restaurants.

Staff recruitment and placement: If you’re starting out with your restaurant, and you’re looking for staff, RASA offers assistance with recruiting skilled staff for restaurant businesses, helping owners fill key positions with qualified candidates.

Staff training and development: Training is crucial to maintaining high standards of service and compliance. RASA provides training opportunities for restaurant staff, ensuring that they are up-to-date with industry best practices and legal requirements.

Marketing opportunities: Members of RASA gain access to marketing opportunities that allow them to promote their restaurant, specials, or other aspects of their business to a broader audience.

Supplier specials: Through RASA’s relationships with suppliers, members can access discounts and special offers for goods and services.

Financial assessments: Restaurant Association of South Africa provides financial assessments that help restaurant owners make better-informed decisions, ensuring that their businesses remain financially healthy and sustainable.

Operational management support and audits: RASA also provides assistance with operational audits, helping restaurants optimise their operations for better efficiency and profitability.

How to Become a Restaurant Association of South Africa Member?

You can become a RASA member by filling out an application on the RASA website.

On the application form, you’ll be required to fill in details about your restaurant, such as the name, legal entity and trading information, liquor license number, TV license number, and details about the owner.

Apart from restaurants, Suppliers can also apply to get listed on the website, giving them exposure to plenty of potential business partners.

How RASA Helps With Restaurant Legal Compliance

RASA has tools, resources, and assistance for restaurant owners to help them ensure they are compliant with the law. For instance, you can find a complete checklist for restaurant reopening, guidelines for a liquor license application, SARS compliance, and more.

Here are some of the legal aspects RASA assists with:

Restaurant Business Permits: Restaurant Association of South Africa can help you understand what permits you need to operate legally in South Africa, including health and safety permits, food safety permits and liquor licenses.

Labour Laws: The restaurant industry has specific labour laws, including things like working hours, employee benefits, and safety regulations. Restaurant Association of South Africa provides guidance on these matters.

Food Safety Compliance: RASA offers resources to help restaurants maintain high standards of hygiene and quality and comply with the Department of Health’s regulations and other food safety regulations.

SARS Compliance: RASA helps members stay tax compliant to avoid fines or penalties from the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

Liquor License Applications: RASA offers advice, support, and guidelines to apply for a liquor license.

Why Suppliers Should Be Listed with RASA

On RASA’s website, you can find a full list of suppliers across various industries. Suppliers play an essential role in the success of restaurants. By being listed with RASA, suppliers get to increase their visibility and can connect with a wide network of restaurant owners.

To be listed on RASA, suppliers can apply through RASA’s official website and meet the necessary criteria.

Why RASA is Essential for Restaurant Owners

RASA is a necessary organisation for South African restaurants. The restaurant industry is unpredictable, and restaurateurs need a prominent voice advocating for them. From protecting rights and ensuring legal compliance to providing tools for business development, the Restaurant Association of South Africa brings undeniable value to the industry.