Johannesburg executive mayor Dada Morero has expressed his disappointment that South Africans are not taking advantage of government grants aimed at helping them reclaim the township spaza shop economy. According to Morero, only 150 spaza shops have been approved as compliant, and just 40 have accessed grant funding to stock their shops. The mayor emphasized that the program is ongoing, having started last year, and urged South Africans to come forward and register to take advantage of the lucrative sector.
Morero attributed the calm tensions in the township to the heavy police deployment and the department of home affairs' withdrawal of its asylum seeker directive. The directive was a result of a binding Constitutional Court judgment delivered on July 7, which ruled that asylum seekers may not be blocked, detained, or deported over procedural or technical immigration issues. The judgment was in the case of Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town and Others vs Minister of Home Affairs.
The mayor acknowledged that the spaza shop tension and the granting of asylum papers to foreign nationals were among the factors that set Orlando West alight. He emphasized that the government wants South Africans to take over the profitable spaza sector and has availed resources to assist them in running this sector of the economy. Morero encouraged South Africans to register and take advantage of the grants, warning that non-compliant shops will be shut down.
Community members and ActionSA members led by Zandile Dabula had picketed outside Orlando Police Station, demanding that home affairs in Orlando West prioritize South Africans. Residents have accused the department of sidelining locals while fast-tracking asylum documents for foreigners. The issue has been a contentious one, with many South Africans feeling that their interests are being neglected.
Morero's call to action comes as the government seeks to empower South Africans to take control of the spaza sector. He emphasized that spaza shops are profitable if run properly and encouraged South Africans to come forward and register. The mayor's office has been working to address the concerns of residents and provide support to those who want to start or expand their spaza shops.
The spaza grant program is part of the government's efforts to promote economic growth and development in townships. By providing funding and resources to South Africans, the government aims to help them compete with foreign nationals in the spaza sector. Morero's comments highlight the need for greater uptake of the program and the importance of South Africans taking advantage of the opportunities available to them.
As the government continues to implement measures to support South African entrepreneurs, Morero's message to Sowetans is clear: come forward, register, and take advantage of the spaza grants. The mayor's office will continue to work with residents and stakeholders to promote the program and address any concerns that may arise.
Key points
- Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero urges South Africans to utilize spaza grants to reclaim the township economy.
- Only 150 spaza shops have been approved as compliant, and just 40 have accessed grant funding.
- Morero warns that non-compliant shops will be shut down.
