ActionSA has already hit the streets in numerous Gauteng communities, engaging with the appropriate authorities to conduct inspections at unregistered informal businesses. This action comes in response to a recent tragedy caused by the sale and consumption of counterfeit goods.
Tomorrow, on Tuesday, 24 October 2024, our MMCs in the City of Tshwane will oversee a joint operation to inspect spaza shops in Soshanguve and Hammanskraal. This effort will be carried out in collaboration with the police, health and food inspectors, as well as the enforcement of bylaws and spatial planning.
Additionally, ActionSA’s Lesedi Regional Chairperson, Webster Kutoane, will meet with the station commander on Wednesday to discuss the number of unlicensed businesses in the area, their compliance with laws, and the extent of their inspections.
This engagement follows an oversight visit conducted by Kutoane on Sunday, with the assistance of the police and crime prevention wardens.
However, this is just the beginning. Our members and volunteers have planned further engagements throughout the province to ensure that the law is enforced and the government takes action.
It is disheartening that we’ve reached this point due to years of government neglect and its inability to enforce law and order, as well as provide access to economic opportunities and decent living conditions.
Due to the high cost of living in this country, millions of people in the province struggle to make ends meet and afford even the cheapest goods from our retailers. This has led to the proliferation of spaza shops selling counterfeit goods.
The challenge with some of these shops is their failure to comply with regulations, putting the lives of their customers at risk.
We demand that local municipality health inspectors, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Home Affairs, and the police come together to address this loss of life.
ActionSA advocates for the implementation of resources and institutions that will empower all South Africans economically and financially, providing them with the tools to improve their lives.
We also support the funding of entrepreneurial initiatives for South Africans, including the establishment of government-backed, low-interest loans for SMMEs at private financial institutions.
The rule of law must be applied without apology to ensure the safety of communities, adherence to regulations, and the accountability of those found guilty of endangering the lives of residents.
