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.
“Look at the districts. eThekwini stands at 84.4%, Amajuba 77.9%, King Cetshwayo 64.3%, Umkhanyakude 59.2%, Ugu 53.7%, ILembe 52.6%. eThekwini carries the greatest weight of all. Nearly seven out of every 10 foreign-owned shops in this province sit within its boundaries. That is not a small pattern. That is a concentration we must understand.
