SHARPEVILLE.- Twice this week Gauteng Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile visited the area to engage with the community and families affected by the recent violence and looting of spaza shops.

Joined by Councillor David Mokolopo and representatives from the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Speaker’s office, Maile engaged with the Sharpeville community at the Full Gospel Church in Vuka on Thursday.

Members of the public raised concerns about economic challenges and difficulties they are facing in relation to getting assistance for establishing thriving and sustainable township businesses. Tensions between the Sharpeville business sector and foreign nationals as well as the dominance of the Spaza shop industry constituted key discussions in the meeting.

The community cited that the latest developments in the area have resulted in considerable inconvenience. Maile responded and noted the concerns raised. He further advised ELM to lead the process with the help of the affected community to address all issues.

Maile was also in Boipatong on Monday.