Angry residents of Tembisa in Gauteng took to the streets on Wednesday, demanding the permanent closure of foreign-owned spaza shops. They claim the shops are selling expired and spoiled food to children, resulting in deaths and hospitalisations, while also allegedly selling drugs in the community.
In Tembisa, Gauteng, residents have taken to the streets in protest against foreign-owned spaza shops. They accuse the shop owners of selling expired and spoiled food to children, claiming that this has led to deaths and hospitalisations in the community.
Resident’s Heartbreaking Testimony
Carbonina Makhanya, a resident of Tembisa, spoke emotionally during the protest: “They are selling expiring food to our children. Our children are dying because of their food. And another thing is they are selling drugs. The government failed us because they want these people to vote for them.”
Her words reflect deep pain and anger felt by many in the community who say they have lost children to food poisoning from products bought at these shops.
History of Similar Incidents
This is not the first time such allegations have surfaced. In previous years, there have been documented cases across South Africa where foreign-owned spaza shops were found selling expired food, particularly to school children. Some incidents resulted in hospitalisations and even deaths from food poisoning. These events have left lasting trauma in affected communities.
Residents say the problem has persisted for years, with little visible action from authorities, fuelling the current protests.
Link to Recent Anti-Immigration Marches
The Tembisa protest follows a wave of “march and march” actions in recent weeks where communities across Gauteng and other provinces targeted and closed foreign-owned shops. Many participants cited the same concerns: expired food being sold to children, drug peddling, and the perception that the government is protecting foreign nationals for political reasons, particularly votes.
These actions have highlighted deep frustrations over unemployment, competition for scarce resources, and the belief that illegal or unregulated foreign businesses are harming local communities.
What Residents Are Demanding
Protesters are calling for the permanent closure of all foreign-owned spaza shops in the area. They argue that these businesses operate outside the law, sell unsafe products, and contribute to crime and the deaths of children.
The community wants stronger enforcement of business regulations, stricter immigration controls, and priority given to South African-owned businesses in townships.
The Human Cost
Behind the protest is real pain. Parents in Tembisa and similar communities say they can no longer trust the food sold in local spaza shops. The fear that their children could become the next victims is driving the anger and determination seen on the streets today.
While authorities have not yet issued a detailed response to today’s protest, the growing number of similar actions across the country shows that this issue is far from resolved.
