Zimbabwean migrants lose jobs in SA after raid on spaza shops

Zimbabweans working in South Africa's spaza shops are facing hardship following a series of raids targeting foreign-owned tuckshops after allegations of food poisoning incidents, which have left children dead and others hospitalized.

The raids have sparked increasing tension and scrutiny of informal businesses, particularly those run by foreign nationals. Local authorities are intensifying efforts to clamp down on undocumented migrants running these shops, with some suggesting that these businesses are intentionally being discredited.

In an alarming development, children in South Africa have allegedly fallen ill or died after consuming food products from spaza shops, some of which have been linked to food poisoning. An infectious disease specialist from the University of Free State, Cloete van Vuuren, has suggested that the incidents may be a deliberate attempt to discredit these informal businesses, which are largely operated by migrants, including Zimbabweans.

According to media reports, five-year-old Siyabonga Mnisi died after consuming snacks from a foreign-owned spaza shop in Diepkloof, Soweto. The death is part of a disturbing trend, with over 20 children reported dead and at least 890 cases of foodborne illnesses since September 2024. The South African government later revealed that the poisoning was caused by Terbufos, a toxic pesticide used in agriculture, which is not approved for use in food products.

While the poisoning cases have caused public outrage, Zimbabwean legal experts are warning against scapegoating foreign nationals. Gabriel Shumba, Legal Director at Global Immigration and Legal Consultancy, told NewsDay that the blame directed at migrants is unjust. "It's unfair to blame the poisoning on migrants. The situation is more complex, and many Zimbabweans working in spaza shops are now facing severe poverty due to these raids," Shumba said.

Shumba highlighted that many Zimbabweans working as shop assistants or informal traders in spaza shops were now struggling, particularly with the rising number of raids. These raids have led to the closure of businesses, leaving many unemployed and financially squeezed.

The recent unrest has also led to concerns about Afrophobia, as local civilians have been increasingly targeting foreign-owned businesses. Diana Chambara, Programs Manager at the Zimbabwe Exiles' Forum, condemned the raids, emphasizing that they unfairly affect Zimbabweans employed in these businesses. "These attacks could lead to more hostility towards migrants," Chambara warned. "The government needs to ensure proper law enforcement on the licensing and registration of businesses, rather than taking actions that unfairly target foreign nationals."

While calls for investigation into the poisoning incidents continue, some experts believe that the real issue lies in the broader regulation of food safety. The government's recent directive to register spaza shops within 21 days is seen by some as a rushed and ineffective measure, which could exacerbate the already fragile situation for migrant workers.

As the investigation into the poisonings continues, Zimbabweans working in the informal sector are hoping for a fair resolution that does not further punish them for the actions of a few individuals responsible for the alleged food tampering.