The closure of foreign-owned tuck shops is becoming more frequent across the country

A couple of foreign-owned spaza shops have been shutting down since October 2023 after two boys lost their lives after consuming biscuits that they bought at a local spaza shop in Soweto, with other shop owners claiming to be in fear. It is also alleged that some shop owners are running away because they are avoiding getting arrested by police officers who inspect their shops. 

Tuck shop owners who are Pakistani nationals have an association in South Africa that advocates for them, known as the Pakistan Association of South Africa (Pasa). In October 2023, this is what the Pasa general secretary, Rana Abbas had to say when addressing Eye Witness News,

"It doesn't make sense if someone makes a mistake to give the punishment to everyone. Who is responsible, check the shop, go shop to shop. If someone is selling expired things, they must get closed... who is not respecting law, not doing their duty properly and is not being sincere with the community of South Africa." 

Abbas’ statement suggests that he is against the generalisation that all Pakistani-owned shops are selling expired goods and that culprits should rather be looked for and held accountable. 

Meanwhile the community of Ga-Rankuwa, there are leaders, Nonkululeko Qhotsokoane and Thabiso Maringa, running a campaign to shut down tuck shops that are operating illegally in the area. When talking to IOL, the leaders of the campaign said that the community was worried about the growth and continuous operation of tuck shops by illegal immigrants in South Africa.

They also stated that owners of illegal spaza shops, were known for selling fake products, illegal contraband, and expired food items.

“In the recent past, sporadic reports have been circulating in the media of persons, especially children, who fell ill after consuming foodstuff purchased from these foreign owned tuck shops,” according to the leaders.

They also insisted that the Department of Labour, the City, SAPS, South African Revenue Services, and other government departments inspect the spaza shops to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, and bylaws.