Durban — The momentum for an investigation into the ownership of spaza shops in Durban is steadily increasing as various organisations rally behind a petition spearheaded by KwaZulu-Natal ActionSA leader Zwakele Mncwango.
This growing movement comes after the eThekwini Municipality's Executive Committee (EXCO) rejected Mncwango’s proposal last month for a probe into foreign-owned spaza shops in Durban.
This was after the ANC voted against the proposal, while the DA abstained.
Undeterred, Mncwango has launched an online petition aimed at galvanising support for a probe into the ownership of a lucrative sector of local spaza shops amounting to billions of rands.
Mncwango said the response to the petition has been positive as more organisations threw their weight behind calls for an investigation.
Amongst those supporting the call for an investigation is Nathi Mbatha from the Abantu Business Forum.
“An investigation by a reputable institution will show that foreign nationals have monopolised this sector. Previously, these spaza shops were owned by local people, but now, if you go around townships, there is a painful trend of tuck shops owned and operated by foreign nationals,” said Mbatha.
Highlighting the historical significance of these shops, Mbatha remarked that residents have been relegated to the fringes of the lucrative spaza shop market, with foreign nationals allegedly monopolising this thriving sector.
“We support the petition for the investigation into the pattern of ownership of spaza shops,” he said.
Echoing these sentiments, Muzi Shange, leader of Local Business Unity in Umlazi, supports Mncwango’s initiative.
“We have been trying to fight this battle for us. I know some people will say we are xenophobic, but that is not the case. When we were growing up, these spaza shops were owned by our parents, but now, if you drive around the township, many spaza shops are owned by foreign nationals. This must change. That is why we support any calls for an investigation,” said Shange.
Mncwango’s initiative is in line with ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba’s broader sentiments, who has long advocated for the removal of illegal immigrants in Gauteng.
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