IN CONVERSATION WITH KGOTHATSO RAMAUTSWA, President of the South African Spaza Shop Association.
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The South African Spaza Shop Association has raised urgent concerns
regarding the increasing levels of violence targeting spaza shops and
informal traders across the country. These incidents not only threaten
individual livelihoods but also undermine the economic stability of
township and rural communities, where informal trade plays a critical
role.
SASSA has strongly criticised the actions of the City of Tshwane,
particularly the demolition of informal trading structures in various
townships. The situation in Mabopane has been highlighted as
especially concerning, with long-standing businesses some operating
for decades being destroyed. SASSA argues that such actions
disregard the historical and economic importance of informal
enterprises and calls for an immediate halt to demolitions, as well as a
consultative process between authorities and trader representatives.
The association has also called for accountability at Sunnyside Police
Station, citing serious allegations of misconduct and possible collusion
with criminal elements. SASSA is demanding an independent audit, a
full investigation into the claims, and the suspension of implicated
officials pending the outcome.
Recognising tensions within the informal trading sector, particularly
between local and foreign-owned businesses, SASSA is advocating for
a structured national regulatory framework. This framework would aim
09:15
to protect local entrepreneurs, ensure fair competition, uphold health
and safety standards, prevent criminal activity within supply chains, and
promote social cohesion.
SASSA has raised concerns about the broader economic environment
affecting small businesses. The association has pointed to delays in
payments by government institutions, including municipalities and the
University of South Africa (UNISA), which have negatively impacted
small-scale entrepreneurs. These delays are said to hinder business
sustainability, limit growth, and discourage youth participation in
entrepreneurship.
SASSA maintains that it is committed to engaging with government, law
enforcement, and the private sector to address these challenges. The
organisation continues to advocate for practical, inclusive, and
sustainable solutions that support informal traders and strengthen local
economies.
regarding the increasing levels of violence targeting spaza shops and
informal traders across the country. These incidents not only threaten
individual livelihoods but also undermine the economic stability of
township and rural communities, where informal trade plays a critical
role.
SASSA has strongly criticised the actions of the City of Tshwane,
particularly the demolition of informal trading structures in various
townships. The situation in Mabopane has been highlighted as
especially concerning, with long-standing businesses some operating
for decades being destroyed. SASSA argues that such actions
disregard the historical and economic importance of informal
enterprises and calls for an immediate halt to demolitions, as well as a
consultative process between authorities and trader representatives.
The association has also called for accountability at Sunnyside Police
Station, citing serious allegations of misconduct and possible collusion
with criminal elements. SASSA is demanding an independent audit, a
full investigation into the claims, and the suspension of implicated
officials pending the outcome.
Recognising tensions within the informal trading sector, particularly
between local and foreign-owned businesses, SASSA is advocating for
a structured national regulatory framework. This framework would aim
09:15
to protect local entrepreneurs, ensure fair competition, uphold health
and safety standards, prevent criminal activity within supply chains, and
promote social cohesion.
SASSA has raised concerns about the broader economic environment
affecting small businesses. The association has pointed to delays in
payments by government institutions, including municipalities and the
University of South Africa (UNISA), which have negatively impacted
small-scale entrepreneurs. These delays are said to hinder business
sustainability, limit growth, and discourage youth participation in
entrepreneurship.
SASSA maintains that it is committed to engaging with government, law
enforcement, and the private sector to address these challenges. The
organisation continues to advocate for practical, inclusive, and
sustainable solutions that support informal traders and strengthen local
economies.
