SPAZA shops must be in the hands of Mzansi people.
This is what ActionSA is trying to achieve. The party has started a campaign called #Spaza4Locals Campaign in an attempt to reclaim these shops from foreign ownership.
ActionSA president Herman Mashaba is expected to host the inaugural #Spaza4Locals Indaba at Uncle Tom's Hall in Orlando West, Soweto on Saturday, 18 May.
Launched on 22 April, the campaign aims to promote and support local ownership of South Africa’s spaza shops, reinforcing the importance of the small businesses in communities.
“The #Spaza4Locals Campaign is not just about reclaiming our neighbourhoods. It's about empowering communities and fostering local economic development,” said Mashaba.
He said by supporting local entrepreneurs, the party can help improve the well-being of South African citizens, particularly the unemployed youth, and reduce local business ownership by foreign nationals.
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“There has been public outcry by South Africans who have been subjected to unhygienic practices in these spazas, including children dying after consuming expired goods bought from foreign-operated spaza shops.
“We need your voice in this crucial conversation. We call on local business owners to stand with us in redressing and reclaiming our neighbourhoods from illegal foreign national-operated local businesses in our communities.”
Several parties believe illegal foreign nationals have taken over Mzansi.
One of them is Patriotic Alliance (PA), whose leader, Gayton McKenzie believes they must be chased away.
Speaking at the party’s election manifesto launch in Athlone Stadium at the weekend, McKenzie told supporters illegal foreigners will be sent back home should the PA take over after the 29 May elections.
McKenzie said: “When we take over on 30 May, on 31 May or 1 June, all illegal foreigners are going home, unapologetically. They're selling drugs here. They're working as cheap labour and don’t pay taxes.
"They're making poisonous food in their tuck shops. They're making their own medicine. You still feel we're insensitive? I have one message for you: When they leave, you can also pack your bags and go with them.”
