By Mapaballo Borotho
- Violence targeting spaza shops and informal traders is raising alarm across South Africa.
- SASSA warns that the unrest is damaging township economies and livelihoods.
- The association is calling for urgent government intervention to restore stability and protect small businesses.
Concerns have been raised over ongoing violence targeting spaza shops and informal traders nationwide.
The South African Spaza Shop Association says these violent incidents not only threaten people’s livelihoods but also erode the economic backbone of townships and rural communities.
This comes as informal trading has been disrupted in recent days, particularly in the streets of Johannesburg, where South Africans have been protesting over the influx of illegal foreign nationals.
Potential protests remain on the radar, especially in Vosloorus, where residents were recently up in arms following Mazwi Khubeka’s disappearance.
SASSA has called on government to urgently intervene to curb the cycle of violence.
“We raise a serious alarm regarding the recent conduct of the City of Tshwane leadership. The ongoing demolition of informal trading structures across various townships has had devastating consequences for entrepreneurs who are already fighting for survival,” the association said in a statement.
The association added that the situation in Mabopane is particularly concerning, as many of the destroyed structures have stood for decades, predating the current administration.
“The destruction of these long-standing businesses reflects a profound disregard for the historical and economic significance of informal enterprises.”
SASSA has called for measures that prioritise and protect local entrepreneurs while ensuring fair competition and adherence to health and safety standards.
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