Johannesburg – The South African Spaza Shop Association (SASSA) has issued a strong call for urgent government intervention to address escalating violence against informal traders, while also condemning municipal actions it says are crippling small businesses.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the association warned that attacks on spaza shops are threatening not only individual livelihoods but also the economic stability of township and rural communities.
Kgothatso Ramautswa, President of South African Spaza Shop Association said incidents of violence targeting informal traders have intensified across the country, calling for immediate engagement with government and stakeholders to develop practical and enforceable solutions.
“These incidents are eroding the economic backbone of our communities,” said Ramautswa, urging authorities to prioritise collaborative approaches rather than “top-down mandates.”
Ramautswa also criticised the City of Tshwane over the demolition of informal trading structures, describing the actions as devastating for entrepreneurs already struggling to survive.
Particular concern was raised over demolitions in Mabopane, with SASSA saying some businesses had existed for decades.
“Informal traders are not criminals; they are active participants in the economy who deserve protection and regulatory support, not bulldozers,” Ramautswa added.
He has called for an immediate halt to the demolitions and demanded a formal engagement process, including an imbizo between the city and trader representatives to address by-law enforcement and establish fair regulatory systems.
Ramautswa further called for accountability within the South African Police Service (SAPS), specifically demanding the resignation of the station commander at Sunnyside Police Station.
Citing serious allegations of misconduct and possible links to criminal syndicates, SASSA has called for an independent audit, a full investigation, and the immediate suspension of implicated officials.
“Law enforcement must exist to serve the people, not to facilitate their exploitation,” Ramautswa said.
Amid rising tensions between local and foreign-owned spaza shops, Ramautswa advocated for a structured national regulatory framework to govern the informal trading sector.
He said such a system should prioritise local entrepreneurs, ensure fair competition, enforce health and safety standards, and prevent criminal infiltration of supply chains while promoting social cohesion.
The association has also highlighted broader economic challenges facing small businesses, including delayed payments by public institutions such as municipalities and University of South Africa.
These delays, Ramautswa said, are crippling small enterprises by straining cash flow and undermining sustainability, particularly for young entrepreneurs.
In its closing remarks, Ramautswa said it remains ready to work with government, law enforcement, and the private sector to create a safer and more inclusive economic environment.
However, it warned that failure to act decisively could deepen instability in already vulnerable communities.
“We will not remain silent while our members are undermined and our communities are left vulnerable,” he concluded.