STORY | I agree with Prof Madonsela that a total shutdown of Spaza Shops will suffocate the township economy

Many people who met me during Nhlanhla's Lux "short lived fame" know that I was always clear on my position regarding Operation Dudula. I agreed with what they wanted to achieve but I was of a view that they were doing it in a wrong way. I understand the need to deal with undocumented immigrants but I disagree with the manner in which Operation Dudula wanted to approach this sensitive matter.

For the last couple of weeks we've been advocating for Spaza Shops to close and only re-open once they have met all the compliance requirements. I know we have to fix our Spaza Shops Sector for the safety of everyone but how do we do it? Do we just close Spaza Shops and only reopen them months later? What will happen to people who depend on Spaza Shops for their everyday needs? How will this even affect the township economy?

Professor Thuli Madonsela gave us a different view this morning on EncaNews. While she does support spaza shop inspections and the closure of delinquent ones, she is against a sweeping shutdown!!

She says this will drive more money to big businesses while sidelining the township economy. She further spoke about the negative Impact that this will have on ordinary citizens who depend largely on local Spaza Shops. 

Madonsela also took to X to voice her concerns over the proposed crackdown, warning of unintended economic consequences.

“The closure will mean customers shift to big business, and by the time the spazas reopen, new customer habits would have set in as happened with COVID-19,” she tweeted.

Madonsela advocated instead for a balanced approach, supporting targeted inspections and closures of spaza shops selling counterfeit or harmful goods.

I totally agree with Prof Thuli Madonsela🙌 We cannot suffocate the township economy and punish innocent Spaza Shops because of few rotten potatoes. We are learning. #foodsafety  Thuli Madonsela Foundation - THUMA