'Foreign entrepreneurs shape this sector': KZN premier reveals 57.8 percent of spaza shops owned by foreigners

Statistics reveal that 57.8% of spaza shops in KwaZulu-Natal are owned by foreign nationals, highlighting their role in the local economy.

Research has revealed that the majority of spaza shops in KwaZulu-Natal are owned by foreign nationals, at 57.8%, while South Africans account for only 42.2%.

This was revealed by KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, who was speaking at the KZN roundtable on spaza shops held in Durban on Tuesday, led by him and the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) MEC Reverend Musa Zondi.

The premier said the gathering was based on evidence, with EDTEA conducting the research.

“Foreign nationals own the majority of spaza shops in this province, accounting for 57.8%, while South African-owned shops make up 42.2%. This is not speculation; this is measurement. And it points to one truth. Foreign entrepreneurs shape this sector, especially in our urban centres. Especially along our coast,” Ntuli said.