Gauteng government promises grants to help South Africans reclaim spaza shops from foreigners
Gauteng Finance MEC Lebogang Maile is facing criticism for what residents described as a reactive approach by the province, rather than a proactive one.
FILE: A spaza shop. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News
Africa Melane is joined by Mpho Nawa, Head of the Department of Economic Development in Gauteng, to discuss how the government plans to assist local communities in reclaiming spaza shop ownership.
Listen below.
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Gauteng Finance MEC Lebogang Maile has pledged to support communities organising to reclaim spaza shop ownership in their neighbourhoods.
The Boipatong community South of Joburg claims local shop operations in the area are dominated by foreign nationals leaving the locals out of their economy.
The move comes after the murder of a local spaza shop owner, which sparked violent protests and looting.
On Monday morning, Maile engaged disgruntled residents and pledged government support in the form of grants.
Nawa explains that a fund exists through a partnership between his Department and Family Tree, a multi-disciplinary support and capacity development company focusing on township and rural economic development.
"It is very difficult to access that money."
- Mpho Nawa, Department of Economic Development in Gauteng
Nawa says the strict requirements for applicants have made access to the fund very difficult, but claims there has been significant non-financial support by the local government to support spaza shops.
"It would include financial managment skills and literacy. It would include how to register and get health inspectors to be part of the process... and just general hygiene-related issues."
- Mpho Nawa, Department of Economic Development in Gauteng
On Monday, Maile reassured residents that the government is implementing a plan to address the challenges.
“We will have to make grants available for these closed shops. It’s unacceptable. We can’t allow people, whether legal or illegal, to come here, engage in violent activities, and threaten the lives of our people.”
Gauteng’s MEC for Finance Lebogang Maile is engaging with the community of Boipatong, south of Joburg following a recent spate in demonstrations, violence and looting of spaza shops owned by foreign nationals across the province.@mongezikoko pic.twitter.com/3I8bUgDo8f
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) October 21, 2024
Meanwhile, the Department of Health is investigating the recent spike in hospitalisations linked to food bought from spaza shops in Soweto.
ALSO READ: Spaza shop deaths: 'The country has been let down' – Spaza and Tuckshop Association
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