ACDP slams Ntshavheni's comments on spaza shops

JOHANNESBURG -The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) says it disagrees with Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni's remarks that South Africans must be the ones who decide not to buy from spaza shops.

It also labelled her views as unreasonable because they place the government’s responsibilities on the shoulders of the public, including children who usually buy goods at spaza shops.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing this week, Ntshavheni said the issue of spaza shop regulation has been a long-standing matter.

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The minister said attempts to get spaza shops registered were defeated in the courts.

Her comments come after five children died in Naledi, Soweto, this week after allegedly consuming poisoned snacks.
 
"The ACDP considers it highly irresponsible for the Minister in the Presidency, Minister Ntshaveni to propose that the public should check the business licenses of spaza shops, as this could lead to potential tension, confrontations, and possibly even violence between spaza shop owners and consumers," said ACDP leader Kenneth Meshoe.