Herman Mashaba’s Insight On Spaza Shops
In a bold statement that has sparked heated debate across South Africa, Herman Mashaba, leader of ActionSA, has called for all spaza shops in the country to be exclusively operated by South African citizens. This demand comes in the wake of a series of tragic incidents that have raised concerns about the safety and legality of businesses run by foreign nationals in townships.
Mashaba’s Call for Action
During a protest in Soweto, Mashaba took aim at foreign nationals operating spaza shops, accusing them of contributing to the rise of criminality and food safety issues in local communities. He specifically pointed to the deaths of six children in Naledi, Soweto, who tragically passed away after consuming toxic snacks purchased from a spaza shop allegedly owned by an undocumented foreign national.
“The president should not entertain criminality. He should listen to the people of Soweto, Katlehong, Hammanskraal, and other townships instead of listening to criminals,” Mashaba remarked, directing his frustrations toward President Cyril Ramaphosa. He insisted that foreigners who claim to be hardworking business people should be sent back to their countries to help fix their own economies.
#Spaza4Locals Campaign
Mashaba’s call for spaza shops to be reserved for South Africans is not a new issue but part of a growing campaign led by his party, ActionSA, under the hashtag #Spaza4Locals. This campaign, driven by ActionSA Member of Parliament Lerato Ngobeni, demands that only South Africans should own and operate spaza shops in the country. The party argues that the township economy, which is a critical lifeline for many South African communities, should be preserved for the citizens of the country.
The campaign has gained traction, particularly after a string of tragic deaths tied to the sale of contaminated food in spaza shops. Over the past months, more than 23 children have died after consuming toxic snacks from spaza shops, leading to public outrage. These incidents have fueled the movement calling for a crackdown on illegal businesses and the protection of South African-owned enterprises.
Calls for Deportation of Foreign Nationals
Mashaba’s statements on foreign nationals operating spaza shops are part of his broader stance on the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. He has previously advocated for a tough stance on immigration, arguing that South Africa’s resources should be reserved for South Africans, especially in light of the country’s high unemployment rate and struggling economy.
In Mashaba’s view, those foreign nationals operating spaza shops should face deportation if they are found to be in the country illegally. He has emphasized that if these individuals are truly skilled businesspeople, they should contribute to the development of their own countries rather than exploit South African resources.
The 21-Day Registration Deadline
A central issue fueling the debate is the 21-day deadline imposed by President Ramaphosa for spaza shop owners to register their businesses. Many shop owners, including those in Naledi, have expressed frustration with the short timeframe, arguing that it is unrealistic, particularly for those already struggling financially.
Tshidi Seloko, a spaza shop owner in Naledi, voiced her concerns, stating that the 21-day deadline is insufficient for many shopkeepers who rely on the income generated from their businesses to survive. “He was supposed to give us four months, not 21 days,” Seloko said. “Many shop owners don’t have money to travel to the municipal office to register.”
While some spaza shop owners have voiced their frustration with the deadline, others have aligned themselves with Mashaba’s stance, believing that spaza shops should be reserved for South African citizens. These local business owners argue that foreign nationals, particularly undocumented ones, are taking advantage of the country’s lax regulations and negatively impacting the local economy.
A Divisive Issue
The issue of spaza shops and foreign ownership has proven to be a divisive one in South Africa. While Mashaba and his supporters argue that foreign nationals are contributing to the erosion of local businesses and posing risks to public health, others view the move as xenophobic and detrimental to the spirit of African unity.
Some South Africans feel that the call to reserve spaza shops for locals is a necessary step to protect their livelihoods, while others worry that the proposal could lead to further tensions between South African citizens and their foreign counterparts.
The Way Forward
As the debate continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the issue of spaza shops in South Africa is complex and multifaceted. It involves not only the economic implications of foreign ownership but also concerns around immigration, food safety, and the safety of local communities.
President Ramaphosa faces growing pressure from various sectors of society to address the issue. While the 21-day registration deadline for spaza shop owners remains a point of contention, the broader conversation around foreign nationals’ role in the South African economy is unlikely to subside anytime soon.
For now, the future of spaza shops remains uncertain, as both local business owners and foreign nationals navigate the ever-changing landscape of South Africa’s informal economy.
Herman Mashaba’s call for spaza shops to be reserved for South African citizens has sparked significant debate. With growing concern over the safety of food sold in these shops and the rising number of deaths linked to toxic snacks, the demand for action is gaining momentum. As the government navigates this issue, it is essential to strike a balance that protects the interests of South African citizens while ensuring that the country remains inclusive and fair to all who reside within its borders.
