Tuck shop concerns discussed at Empangeni imbizo

Social cohesion was top of the agenda at a recent stakeholders’ engagement session convened by African Solidarity Campaign (AfriSoC) and involving spaza shop owners.

In collaboration with the SA Refugee-Led Network (SARLN), the meeting was held at Empangeni Rail Metro College and included foreign national spaza shop owners, mostly Ethopian and Somali, and sought to discuss the pressing issues affecting tuck shop owners around uMhlathuze Municipality.

ALSO READ: Spaza shop scrutiny: municipalities urged to conduct inspections

AfriSoC executive director, who is also the provincial chairperson of SARLN, Steven Mmindje Kabakilwa, said since the start of the challenges faced by tuck shop owners surrounding the food poisoning incidents, they have been working tirelessly to promote social cohesion and sustainable livelihoods for spaza shop owners in the region.

“We have been engaging with various stakeholders, including the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), International Organisation for Migrants (IOM), African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (Accord) and others to secure funding for at least a three-month rapid response initiative or a 12-month project.

ALSO READ: City removes street vendors from CBD

“The main aim of this three-month rapid response initiative is to promote social cohesion and sustainable livelihoods for spaza shop owners in KZN. The project aims to address xenophobia, promote inclusive relationships, and improve livelihood opportunities for foreign nationals and local spaza shop owners,” he said.

Kabakilwa added that they expect to improve social cohesion by enhancing relationships among foreign nationals, local spaza shop owner government representatives, traditional leaders and the public.

“We also aim at increasing livelihood opportunities by improving access to resources, finance and markets for spaza shop owners, reducing xenophobia attitudes and increasing tolerance among local communities.

“This serves as evidence of our commitment to finding solutions to the current challenges faced by spaza shop owners. We would like to acknowledge the strategic partnership, financial support and technical guidance from Senzo Ngubane of Accord,” said Kabakilwa.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY