Latest News & Developments
township
Ga-Rankuwa residents rally for local jobs at Dr George Mukhari Hospital
Ga-Rankuwa residents march to Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, demanding local job opportunities and an end to nepotism, threatening to disrupt township activities if ignored.
South Africa’s informal economy: From street vendors to home-based businesses
In a remarkable testament to resilience, 1. 9 million South Africans operated non-VAT registered businesses in 2023, a significant increase from 1. 5 million a decade earlier.
How branding drives growth in South Africa's business landscape - 22 On Sloane
Discover how branding shapes the future of South African businesses and connects them with customers in a competitive market.
Ministers launch R500m fund to empower spaza shop owners
The fund, aimed at empowering and skilling South African-born spaza shop owners and other food handling businesses with training, skills, and funds to inject into their business, comes after spaza shop owners were given until February 28 to register their businesses following a wave of food-borne fatalities in Soweto and other parts of the country.
R500 million fund launched to support South African spaza shops
South African-born spaza shop owners are encouraged to cease leasing their businesses to undocumented immigrants, as a new R500 million support fund is introduced to empower local entrepreneurs.
Ministers unveil R500m spaza shop fund, warn against fronting for illegal immigrants
Government ministers have unveiled a R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund in Soweto, urging South African shop owners to stop leasing properties to undocumented immigrants. The initiative aims to return the township economy to local hands through financial support and skills development, with Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams revealing that only 53% of registered spaza shops are South African-owned.
Navigating the digital divide: protecting township communities
Explore the challenges of digital adoption in South African townships and the urgent need for governance to protect communities from potential harm
Spaza shops under threat: Navigating new regulations and economic challenges
Thousands of spaza shops in South Africa are closing due to stringent registration requirements imposed by Cogta.
Soshanguve massacre: Zimbabwean national among suspects arrested as death toll hits six
Police have arrested two suspects, including an undocumented Zimbabwean national found with an illegal firearm, following the fatal shooting of six community patrollers in Soshanguve. While families of victims express mixed reactions about whether justice will be served, Minister Mchunu links border management issues to rising crime rates.
From township to tech hub: the digital transformation of South African communities
South African townships are experiencing a digital renaissance, with entrepreneurs like Monde Ntoyanto leading the charge. This exploration of township connectivity reveals how digital infrastructure is creating unprecedented opportunities for innovation and growth in these communities.
70 years later: The lingering pain of Sophiatown's displacement still reverberates across South Africa
On February 9, South Africa marks 70 years since the forced removal of Sophiatown residents, a painful chapter in the nation's history that continues to resonate with descendants today
Top 10 reactions from SONA 2025
Political leaders shared their mixed reactions to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address 2025, highlighting praise, disappointment and calls for accountability.
Township Tours: Cultural appreciation or 'poverty porn'?
Mzukisi Lembeni's township tours in Cape Town offer a unique glimpse into local life, sparking debate over cultural appreciation versus exploitation.
Step by step: the life-changing moves of Durban's dance companies
Discover how Flatfoot Dance Company and Wentworth Arts and Culture Organisation are using the transformative power of dance to uplift communities and empower individuals in Durban.
Spaza shop operators seek clarity on rezoning and registration requirements as deadline is extended
Sibusiso Ngcobo, deputy secretary general and head of business development at the South African Spaza Shop and Tuckshops Association (SASTA), said the extension of the deadline was welcome.
Structural violence and food poisoning in South Africa’s townships
‘Consequently, marginalised individuals are often forced to rely on inexpensive food options to make ends meet. And these intersecting forms of oppression exacerbate the structural violence experienced by residents living in townships. ’
ActionSA to lead a Soweto spazas for locals march
ActionSA will be marching in Soweto, Gauteng to call for the localisation of all spaza shops.
Standard Bank provides support aimed at enabling more township entrepreneurs to start, manage and grow SMMEs
According to the 2023/2024 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report, two in five adults in South Africa know someone who has recently started a business.
WATCH: South African woman allegedly registers spaza shop for ‘illegal’ foreigners
‘These are the people responsible for the deaths of our children and you are here with them. Why are South Africans like this. ’
ActionSA calls for localisation of all spaza shops
‘If you’re not South African, the law should prohibit you from owning a spaza shop. ’
Dear spaza shop owner, here are nine steps to register your business
Seven days have passed since President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a notice to spaza shops across the country to register for a traders' permit.
The South African system: a hindrance or an enabler to township economies?
According to the World Bank only 25% of the money generated in townships is spent there. It is suggested that the government ought to develop new, or revisit existing, policies seeking to address legacy dysfunctions of Apartheid in the townships and their economies.
Addressing food safety: eThekwini's spaza shops and informal traders inspection drive
All spaza shops and other food handling facilities must be registered within the municipalities in which they operate within 21 days.
KwaZulu-Natal to address foodborne illnesses and draft by-laws in special meeting
KwaZulu-Natal convenes a special meeting to discuss new municipal by-laws aimed at boosting local economies and addressing alarming foodborne illnesses that have affected children.
Gayton McKenzie calls for closure of spaza shops and deportation of illegal immigrants
Recently, a number of young individuals in townships across the country have died, with many speculating that these incidents are linked to a series of food contamination events.