LOCAL OWNERS DEMAND IMMEDIATE CLOSURE OF FOREIGN-OWNED SPAZA SHOPS IN ZASTRON

Zastron Local Tuck Shop Owners

By: Neo Ntsele

The spaza shop owners in Zastron have firmly opposed foreign nationals running tuck shops in their area.

Following a recent meeting, they called for the closure of all foreign-owned spaza shops, citing concerns over illegal immigration and non-compliance.

This decision comes after ongoing discussions about undocumented foreign nationals operating businesses without proper authorization, leading to tension in the local community.

Zastron’s spaza shop owners have been confronting the presence of foreign nationals who own and manage tuck shops in the town.

Last week, the issue of illegal immigration gained national attention, prompting local forums to address the matter.

The Zastron Spaza Shop forum initially sought support from the municipality’s Local Economic Development (LED) forum, aiming to involve key stakeholders like the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Home Affairs.

Unfortunately, these agencies did not attend the meeting because the LED forum failed to invite them.

In response to the lack of official support, they are insisting that all foreign-owned spaza shops in Zastron remain closed until proper inspections and verifications are conducted.

The forum emphasized that their approach would be peaceful and lawful.

They intend to invite the SAPS, along with Home Affairs and other stakeholders, to ensure lawful measures are taken to address the issue.

The forum intends to present a memorandum of demands to the relevant stakeholders during a mass meeting expected next week.

They will wait for law enforcement to conduct immigration checks and business compliance inspections while all shops are closed.

The owners also encouraged foreign shopkeepers to voluntarily keep their stores closed during this time.

This request aims to assist the verification process and ensure that only legally compliant businesses operate in the area.