- Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie is speaking out against illegal spaza shop ownership, sparking nationwide debate.
- McKenzie criticizes businesses operated by undocumented immigrants in townships, raising concerns about public health and local economies.
- His comments have ignited a heated discussion on social media, with citizens weighing in on the issue.
JOHANNESBURG — The growing prevalence of food poisoning, counterfeit food products, and the overwhelming dominance of foreign-owned spaza shops in townships and informal settlements has become a pressing national issue. This alarming trend has caught the attention of public officials, community leaders, and everyday citizens alike.
Among those sounding the alarm is Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, who has vowed to tackle the problem head-on. In a passionate appeal, McKenzie has called for stricter enforcement of laws to protect local businesses and public health.
Why McKenzie Is Concerned About Illegal Spaza Shops
Minister McKenzie made his stance clear in a recent post on X, where he voiced his frustrations about illegal spaza shops. His concerns are rooted in the alarming rise in food-related illnesses linked to these establishments. Just recently, four children in Gauteng lost their lives due to food poisoning from counterfeit snacks like biscuits and potato chips. Since February, the death toll has risen to 10, with over 207 reported cases of food poisoning in the past nine months alone.
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For McKenzie, this is not just about food safety—it’s about protecting the livelihoods of South Africans. He argues that illegal immigrants are not only taking over local businesses but also endangering communities with substandard products. This sentiment has earned him both support and criticism, with some labeling him as an "Afrophobe." Regardless of the label, McKenzie remains steadfast in his commitment to addressing the issue.
In his X post, he wrote:
"These illegal shop owners are feeding our people slow poison. First, they demolished local ownership, [and] now they are selling poisonous, illegally made products. I can assure South Africans that we are in the process of making sure the laws of South Africa [are] followed. We are tired."
The situation escalated earlier this year in White City, Soweto, where residents protested against foreign-owned spaza shops following the tragic death of a young girl. This incident highlights the deep-seated tensions surrounding the issue and underscores the urgency for action.
Public Reaction: A Polarizing Debate
McKenzie’s comments have set off a firestorm on social media, with South Africans expressing a wide range of opinions. Within 24 hours of his post, it garnered nearly 380,000 views, 10,000 likes, 2,100 reposts, and 900 replies. The conversation has been intense, with users passionately sharing their views.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the reactions:
@Setso_Johnnie wrote:
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"There’s a place in Vaal [called] Bophelong. No foreigners own shops that side. We even forgot how it feels like having them around."
MikeyMashila chimed in with:
"Carrying the hopes of the nation. Lord Gayton."
@RK_Mayekisa added:
"Somalians, Pakistanis and all, have no reason to be in SA. No reason whatsoever!"
@custy_kgadi offered a different perspective:
"The last time I checked, you are the Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture Minister, not Home Affairs or Small Business."
What Lies Ahead?
As the debate rages on, the question remains: What steps will be taken to address the issue of illegal spaza shops? Will stricter regulations be implemented? And how will the government balance protecting local businesses with respecting the rights of immigrants? These are complex questions that require thoughtful solutions.
For now, Minister McKenzie’s call to action has brought much-needed attention to the issue. Whether you agree or disagree with his stance, one thing is clear: the conversation about illegal spaza shops is far from over. Stay tuned as Briefly News continues to cover this developing story.
