Gauteng govt says it can't give timeline for addressing noncompliant spaza shops owned by foreign nationals

JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng government said it could not provide a clear timeline for addressing noncompliant spaza shops owned by foreign nationals.

On Monday, frustrated residents from Soweto and Boipatong met with officials from the province's Economic Development and Finance departments. 

The discussions followed a series of suspected food poisoning cases linked to spaza shops, some of which have been fatal.

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Still reeling from the deaths, both communities are demanding answers and solutions.
 
During the dialogue led by Finance MEC Lebogang Maile, residents criticised the government for failing to fund and protect their businesses.
 
Maile acknowledged their concerns but admitted that there were no quick fixes.
 
"What I’m not going to lie about is to say when. I can’t say today or tomorrow, but we will help. After next week, we are calling an imbizo."
 
The MEC also condemned the recent violence and looting of foreign-owned spaza shops across the province.