Former Public Protector Professor Thuli Madonsela has voiced strong opposition to the idea of shutting down spaza shops across South Africa. Her stance comes in response to recent comments by the African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, who suggested that all spaza shops should be closed and re-registered. Mbalula’s call followed a series of tragic incidents in which children died after allegedly consuming contaminated food from these informal retailers.
Speaking to the media, Madonsela argued that the blanket closure of spaza shops would be a misguided approach. Instead, she recommended targeted inspections to ensure that shops meet health and safety standards. “We should focus on regulating and inspecting these businesses, rather than shutting them down entirely,” Madonsela said. She further added that spaza shops play a crucial role in local economies, especially in townships, and closing them would have far-reaching negative consequences.
Madonsela emphasized that shutting down spaza shops could exacerbate the country’s existing challenges of poverty, inequality, and hunger. These shops, often the lifeblood of township communities, provide affordable goods and employment. “If we close them down, we risk creating a more severe economic crisis in already struggling communities,” she warned.
However, Madonsela did agree that spaza shops found guilty of selling contaminated goods should face closure, but only after due process and legal action. This, she argued, would help to protect consumers while preserving the integrity of the informal retail sector.
As the debate continues, many are watching closely to see whether the government will take a more balanced approach to addressing food safety concerns in spaza shops, rather than resorting to sweeping closures that could harm the very communities they aim to protect.
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