Mpho Popps and ‘PNC’ Hosts Discuss How Pakistanis Have Taken Over the Spaza Shops in SA Townships
- South African comedian Mpho Popps and the podcast hosts were discussing the influx of spaza shops owned by foreign nationals
- In the latest episode of the People Need Comedy podcast, the team made allegations about how these shops are run
- Social media users weighed in on the video clip, stating that this is what podcasts should be discussing, and raising awareness
- Briefly News spoke with residents from a South Coast township about their experience with a spaza shop, and also spoke with the owner of the spaza shop
Source: Instagram
South African comedian Mpho Popps has discussed the growing trend of spaza shops being owned by foreign nationals.
Mpho Popps and his co-hosts noted how these shops are often run in township or rural areas, and that they are rarely owned by the black people who reside there.
The People Need Comedy (PNC) podcast hosts alleged that Pakistanis run these spaza shop businesses across the country. They further claimed that the owners of the said shops eliminate black people if they run the shops themselves.
"Do you know how much gall you have to have, to leave your own country and come live in the blackest townships you can find. Pakistanis have decided to infiltrate the townships across the country. And then ban blacks from having spazas. And if they do have spazas, then they eliminate them," Mpho stated.
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There have been several incidents where children in several parts of the country have been hospitalised, and some have died after eating snacks bought from the spaza shops. There was outrage among the SA citizens, who called for the government to take action.
In his address, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the spaza shop owners would need to own licenses to operate such shops, in a bid to curb incidences where rotten or spoiled food is sold to the community.
Briefly News spoke with residents from Gamalakhe on the South Coast, who shared their frustration over the alleged sale of spoiled or expired food at the local spaza shops.
"It is true; most spaza shops are run by Pakistanis here in Gamalakhe. In my street there is only one resident from the area who owns his own shop," said Mhlengi. "Competition is very high because in almost every corner, there is a container."
Another resident, Ms Mkhize, said people chose to buy at the spaza shops because they sell goods at cheaper prices compared to the supermarkets.
"Here we have Boxer superstore, but you will find that some people just buy some items at spaza shops. It's the only way they can afford to have groceries. Plus its a distance to walk to the mall or take a taxi, and with the containers close by, it is the better option," she remarked.
Briefly News also had a chat with the owners of a shop called Africa Discount Supermarket and Hardware in the Umzumbe area, Thomas, whose shop appeared on eNCA when the SAPS was raiding spazas.
The reporters found the place to be unsanitary and hazardous due to the shop owner living inside the shop. The police allegedly confiscated goods after they found that they had reached the expiration date.
"We buy a bulk of our goods from Bargain Wholesaler in Marburg. It is not true that we make them ourselves; we just resell them at a reasonable price. We even have Albany bread delivered by the trucks here everyday. If something expires, we get rid of it. We welcome complaints from the community, it helps us improve our service."
On the subject of them living inside the shops, Thomas said they can barely afford rent, so they built a room separate from the shop, which makes their lives easier.
Mzansi has their say
Social media users reacted to the video clip shared by @Sello_Libram, and many seem to share the same sentiments:
@shaz_bantuza shared:
"At least these guys are talking about it. But we've been speaking, and kids have died."
@Qlyv_Mydear stated:
"This is what we should be discussing on a podcast I’d subscribe to and watch ads. This is the national dialogue; we need to talk about these things and take action. Stop buying and supporting their business, cut off the oxygen, and they will leave."
@bonganisonto argued:
"Truth is, SA is a blessed country & foreigners have seen that this land is filled with milk and honey and are uniting in a foreign land to possess it. SA'ns are not united, Deuteronomy 28:43-44. Foreigners will rule this land if we don't seek God's face and pray for beloved SA."
@LiyaWaModimo444 exclaimed:
"FINALLY the conversation is happening!"
Mpho Popps and wife reflect on wedding day
In a previous report from Briefly News, Mpho Popps was deeply moved by his lovely traditional wedding to his wife, Latoya Mei.
The comedian posted beautiful throwback pictures from the ceremony, where they were surrounded by close friends and family. Fans and followers flooded his comments section to congratulate the couple on their nuptials with heartfelt messages.
Source: Briefly News
