ActionSA strongly condemns the threatening behaviour directed at Ms. Luyanda, a South African businesswoman who operates a spaza shop next to a Pakistani-owned store in Dobsonville, Soweto.
This morning, during a routine bread delivery to her business, Ms. Luyanda was threatened by the foreign national shop owner, who warned her to stop her operations or face consequences.
This type of intimidation against South African citizens trying to earn a living and provide for their families by foreign nationals is unacceptable but not the first, yet there have been no consequences against the perpetrators.
As we made the call through our #Spaza4Locals campaign, ActionSA stands firmly in solidarity with Ms. Luyanda and many other South African citizens who seek to participate in the local economy as we believe that spaza shops should be reserved for locals.
Communities of Soweto are still reeling from the deaths of more than 20 schoolchildren in 2024 due to food poisoning from consumables purchased from spaza shops owned by foreign nationals. Such incidents, therefore, are likely to infuriate communities and result in undesirable outcomes, if authorities don’t enforce regulations and make timeous interventions, when necessary.
The incident has been formally reported to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) for further investigation. We have also requested that the relevant authorities evaluate the foreign-owned shop for compliance with legal, health and environmental framework.
ActionSA, remains committed to advocating for the protection and empowerment of South African entrepreneurs, particularly in townships, and ensuring that the rule of law reigns supreme.
ActionSA Condemns Threats to South African Spaza Shop Owner, Calls for Law Enforcement by Authorities
ActionSA strongly condemns the threatening behaviour directed at Ms. Luyanda, a South African businesswoman who operates a spaza shop next to a Pakistani-owned store in Dobsonville, Soweto.
This morning, during a routine bread delivery to her business, Ms. Luyanda was threatened by the foreign national shop owner, who warned her to stop her operations or face consequences.
This type of intimidation against South African citizens trying to earn a living and provide for their families by foreign nationals is unacceptable but not the first, yet there have been no consequences against the perpetrators.
As we made the call through our #Spaza4Locals campaign, ActionSA stands firmly in solidarity with Ms. Luyanda and many other South African citizens who seek to participate in the local economy as we believe that spaza shops should be reserved for locals.
Communities of Soweto are still reeling from the deaths of more than 20 schoolchildren in 2024 due to food poisoning from consumables purchased from spaza shops owned by foreign nationals. Such incidents, therefore, are likely to infuriate communities and result in undesirable outcomes, if authorities don’t enforce regulations and make timeous interventions, when necessary.
The incident has been formally reported to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) for further investigation. We have also requested that the relevant authorities evaluate the foreign-owned shop for compliance with legal, health and environmental framework.
ActionSA, remains committed to advocating for the protection and empowerment of South African entrepreneurs, particularly in townships, and ensuring that the rule of law reigns supreme.