Residents in Thembisa have marched through the streets demanding the closure of foreign-owned spaza shops, which they accuse of selling expired and unsafe food products linked to child deaths. The protest at Swazi Inn reflects widespread anger over food safety in township communities and frustration with government inaction.
The community-led action follows a notice issued by some residents calling for the permanent closure of the shops by Wednesday. Protesters say the businesses sell rotten and expired goods while operators buy fresh food elsewhere for themselves.
Matthews Maphala of Thembisa Parliament said the community is shocked by the daily loss of young lives. “We’re really shocked about whatever is happening with the losing of the kids every day due to the food that they’re eating from the spaza shops,” he stated.
Resident Khabonina Makhanya added that children are dying every day from the products and accused authorities of failing the community. Another organiser, Sibusiso Mahlangu, described finding rotten items at Swazi Inn and said the shops must leave the area. Some participants also alleged that certain outlets sell drugs.
Residents vowed to continue protesting until officials enforce health regulations more strictly.
