ActionSA in Gauteng has welcomed a recent statement by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, calling for spaza shops and other small businesses to be reserved for South African citizens. Mbalula made the announcement on 6 December, also advocating for action against foreign nationals who operate spaza shops illegally.
ActionSA sees this as a win for local entrepreneurs and community groups who have joined the party’s #Spaza4Locals campaign, which aims to reclaim township economies and address the country’s high unemployment rates.
ActionSA believes that restricting spaza shops to locals can be a key step in revitalizing township economies. According to the party, many foreign-owned spaza shops operate outside the law, with some owners lacking proper documentation and failing to meet business visa requirements. South African laws state that foreign-owned businesses must invest at least R5 million from outside the country to qualify for a business visa — a threshold rarely met by these operators.
The party also highlighted recent cases of foodborne illnesses and deaths linked to some foreign-owned spaza shops, emphasizing the importance of compliance with health and safety standards.
“Spaza shops can play a critical role in reducing unemployment, particularly among the youth, by creating jobs and providing valuable work experience,” said a representative from ActionSA. The youth unemployment rate for South Africans aged 15–24 currently stands at 60.8%.
The #Spaza4Locals campaign, according to ActionSA, is not just political rhetoric. It’s a genuine effort to boost local businesses and ensure township economies benefit South African communities. The party now hopes that Mbalula’s statement will lead to tangible action by the government.
ActionSA has called on the Gauteng government to increase the number of inspectors to ensure the proper enforcement of these measures. “This is not about xenophobia but about restoring economic opportunities to South Africans in a lawful and fair manner,” the party stated.
As an opposition party in the province, ActionSA has pledged to support the government in implementing these policies effectively. The party is committed to ensuring that spaza shops become a driving force for economic growth in townships and rural areas, ultimately contributing to reducing unemployment and improving living standards for South Africans.
