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Goods seen at a spaza shop.
Residents in Thembisa have taken to the streets in a community-led march, calling for the closure of foreign-owned spaza shops, accusing them of selling unsafe and expired food products.
The protest at Swazi Inn comes amid growing anger over the safety of food sold in township communities, with residents also blaming government for failing to act.
The protests in Thembisa come after some community members issued a notice calling for the permanent closure of spaza shops in the area by Wednesday.
Although the march is described as a faceless, community-driven action, civic organisations have begun weighing in on the situation. Spokesperson for Thembisa Parliament, Matthews Maphala, says the loss of young lives has left the community deeply concerned
“We’re really shocked about whatever is happening with the losing of the kids every day due to the food that they’re eating from the spaza shops. They’re selling expired food. They don’t eat the food that they themselves are selling. They are going to Shoprite to go and buy food for themselves but they want our kids and ourselves to go and buy the food that they are selling.”
Residents say they are taking a stand to protect their health and safety, describing the situation as unbearable. One of the residents, Khabonina Makhanya says children are the most affected.
“They are selling expired food to our children. Our children are dying every day. Today and every day, children are dying because of their food. So, they must go. We don’t need you anymore. So, the government failed us. The government of ANC failed us. Ramaphosa failed us because he wants these people to vote for him. We don’t care. We don’t want them.”
VIDEO | Spaza shops are also accused of selling drugs:
Community members have also raised alarm over what they describe as shocking conditions at some of the shops. One of the residents leading the march, Sibusiso Mahlangu, says their findings have angered many.
“What we found at Swazi Inn, we didn’t know we could find such things. Why are they selling rotten products to us? It means they are putting our lives at risk. As residents, we are concerned. It is better we throw away their products. They must go and sell these products to their own citizens.”
Residents say they will continue with protests until authorities take decisive action against non-compliant businesses, as calls grow for stricter enforcement of health and safety regulations in township economies.
