Lesufi urges housing beneficiaries to back local businesses, not foreign-owned spaza shops

By Charmaine Ndlela

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has urged beneficiaries of newly built government houses not to allow foreign-owned spaza shops to operate from their properties, saying housing developments should create economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Speaking during the handover of 105 completed homes at the Westonaria Borwa Mega Project on Wednesday, Lesufi said the provincial government wants new housing developments to become thriving communities where local residents benefit from business opportunities.

“When I give you a house, there won’t be any spaza shops belonging to someone coming from another country. Keep it like that,” he said.

Lesufi encouraged aspiring local entrepreneurs to make use of government funding available through the Department of Small Business Development to establish their own businesses.

“We have youth here, many youth. If you want to open a spaza shop, we have spaza shop funding. Approach a young person or go by yourself to the