Sharpeville resident Mavis Magagula rents out part of her property to a Somali foreign national who operates a spaza shop on the premises.  I have a family to feed and when Abdul Ismail came knocking on my door and asked to start a spaza shop in my yard, I saw an opportunity of making money to feed my family.He has been operating his business here for three years and there have been no issues, Magagula told Sunday World.  Foreign-owned spaza shops are under siege over claims that they sell expired foodstuff. Many communities are outraged over the death of six children after they allegedly ate snacks bought from a spaza shop in Naledi, Soweto, two weeks ago.The Department of Employment and Labour has since, sent inspectors to raid spaza shops for compliance purposes. Many spaza shops like the one on Magagulas property, are run by foreign nationals mostly from Somalia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Ethiopia.  To many unemployed citizens like Magagula, the rental revenue from the spazas provides a much-needed source of income.  Recent research by Accenture Africa revealed that there are more than 150000 spaza shops across the country, with an estimated market size of R178-billion.  A 2021 report titled South African Township Marketing Report by Roger Wilco found that spaza shops contribute 5.2% to the countrys GDP. According to the Statistics SA’s quarterly labour force survey, the unemployment rate stood at 33,5% during the second quarter of this year.  Even though many communities are up in arms demanding that foreign-owned spaza shops be closed, landlords of these informal businesses are against such a move, saying it will deprive them of income as they get paid for renting out space to shop owners. I find this call from the community demanding that these shops shut down problematic, especially since landlords like me benefit from these people as they pay rent for using our space, said Magagula. Magagulas tenant, Ismail, told Sunday World he was also concerned about the illicit goods sold by some of the spaza shop owners, but pointed out that there is no businessperson who would intentionally sell goods that are harmful to customers. It is a concerning issue that we find ourselves being painted with the same brush as others, while we make sure that we procure goods that are on a high par standard for our customers. Who would want to kill the people who bring business to their enterprises though? Clearly some of us are in this business to provide services to our clients, not to kill them. If there are those who run shops to kill children, then they dont deserve to be in this business, said Ismail. Elsie Mofokeng, also the landlord of a foreign-owned spaza shop in Orange Farm, believes the government should do more to enforce compliance.We have a serious challenge in this country where some foreigners are accused of selling goods harmful to people, said Mofokeng. I have a tenant in my yard. I always tell him that I dont want problems and complaints about his goods If I had the knowledge, I would inspect the veracity of expiry dates on the products he sells.  I urge the labour department to conduct constant -visits to these spaza shops and to have proper inspectors who are not going to be bribed so that they can turn a blind eye when they find expired goods in these spaza shops.We are benefiting as landlords as rent is being paid, but if there are people selling expired goods, then it becomes a problem for all of us, said Mofokeng. Razan Anas, a Pakistani national, believes that some of his countrymen were using illegal ways to procure goods through factories that manufacture illicit goods and that this brings their businesses into disrepute and creates animosity in communities. On Monday, the Department of Health dismissed claims that the government is neglecting the issue of children dying from suspected food poisoning.  The department stated that the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure is currently treating the recent spate of deaths as a national  security threat. These increasing incidents in black communities have led to an unfortunate and unsubstantiated perception that authorities are turning a blind eye to this crisis and seem not to care about whats happening to citizens, said the department in a statement. The department also mentioned that those affected have concluded that the sudden death of children was caused by food poisoning emanating from food sold by foreign-owned spaza shops. In the past weeks, communities of Naledi, Soweto, and Sharpeville in the Vaal went on a rampage forcing foreign-owned spaza shops to be closed and demanded that the owners of these businesses leave their areas.

On Tuesday, the department told Parliaments portfolio committee that a multi-disciplinary committee is unearthing the extent of the rot and ensuring officials face the consequences.CAPE TOWN, The Home Affairs Department says its on a major clampdown on fraud and corruption particularly by foreign nationals attempting to stay in the country.On Tuesday, the department told Parliaments portfolio committee that a multi-disciplinary committee is unearthing the extent of the rot and ensuring officials face the consequences.At least a dozen referrals have been made to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation and the Special Investigating Unit.The Home Affairs multidisciplinary task team is combing through thousands of applications of all visa types.Investigations have revealed several fraudulent applications have been processed at night or over weekends.At least a fifth of over 51,000 visa applications initially rejected on suspicion of fraud were subsequently approved.These are largely applications for worker, business and spousal permits.Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza brought a team of hired forensic consultants to Parliament. Members of the team are tasked with anti-fraud and prevention strategies.`They are not just there to deal with cleaning up the environment, but to set up systems that will enable us to make sure whatever would have happened in the past does not happen again.`Study visas are also a major category for fraud.Over 3,000 study visas have been converted to critical skills visas under a directive by former Minister Malusi Gigaba before studies have even been completed.

The Department of Tourism (DoT) recently gazetted its White Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa 2024 which proposes some massive interventions aimed at boosting tourism, including a specialised police unit for incidents involving tourists.South Africas tourism industry is critical to the countrys economy. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), tourisms direct and indirect contribution to the countrys GDP was 8.2% in 2023. In terms of job creation, according to WTTC statistics, South Africas tourism sector employed 1.46 million people in 2023 and the sectors contribution is expected to grow to 1.7 million jobs in 2024.Despite its impressive contribution to the South African economy, the tourism sector lags behind relative to its potential, said Minister Patricia de Lille at the conclusion of the Tourism Policy Review.In response, the DoT looked to review the 1996 Tourism White Paper.Stakeholder consultations were held across all nine provinces, involving local and national governments. A public comment period from September 1, 2023, received around 3,500 submissions, which were considered in refining the new Tourism White Paper.According to the DoT the new Tourism White Paper focusses on promoting safety and security; facilitating ease of access; domestic tourism; crises management; promoting transformation; enabling technological developments and recommits to the responsible tourism agenda.One of the provisions in the White Paper that has garnered some debate is relating to safety and security management.The rise in robberies, kidnappings and murders of foreign visitors in recent years has cast a sombre shadow over South Africas tourism sector.South Africas image has been negatively impacted by crime involving tourists and high crime levels reported in the destination broadly read the White Paper.Crime-related concerns negatively impact international tourists desire to visit South Africa and are a deterrent against self-drive domestic tourists.Current responses do not provide for the prompt resolution of crimes against tourists and make insufficient use of technology solutions for increased effectiveness, particularly for high tourist areas and supporting visitors travelling in groups,it added. The White Paper emphasises collaboration among organisations, including law enforcement, to enhance tourist safety by reducing crime and providing visitor information. The sector has partnered with the South African Police Service to develop a Tourism Safety Strategy and a Monitors Programme, involving over 2,000 trained youth who patrol and report incidents at key tourist sites for just under R174 million. The Department of Tourism (DoT) believes more action is needed and, after a long stakeholder engagement process, proposes the following:1.Intelligence-Based Tourist Safety Programme: Create a national, research-driven safety program with stakeholder collaboration and community awareness of tourisms value.2.Active Alignment: Tackle crimes affecting tourists in high-traffic areas through joint efforts of stakeholders, law enforcement, the justice system, private security, and technology.3.Dedicated Tourism Safety Support: Work with law enforcement to investigate the establishment of a specialised police unit focused on preventing and swiftly resolving incidents involving tourists.4.Hygiene Considerations: Integrate hygiene into the tourism safety and security program in collaboration with relevant authorities.Looking specifically at the specialised police unit for tourists, the DoT said that this initiative promises to bolster the safety of both international and domestic tourists while simultaneously addressing the pressing issue of unemployment.However, some critics have argued that these attempts at dedicated tourism police units are futile if the inefficiencies in law enforcement are not addressed and that tourists should not get precedence when it comes to safety.Tourists in South Africa will never be safe, no matter how many of these tourist cops we put on the streets until South Africans are safe. How are ordinary South Africans¦ supposed to feel about yet another specialised unit for special people` tourists? wrote Justice Malala in the Financial Mail.It is cynical in the extreme to even suggest this [and] shows you what this government is about: it is an elite project. Instead of saying I will protect and nurture the young men and women in Khayelitsha, our government thinks it is better to protect tourists.Fix law enforcement for everybody, added Malala.Thats not what we saidHowever, de Lille strongly refutes this characterisation.In an interview with Moneyweb@Midday with Jeremy Maggs, de Lille said that in no way does the Tourism White Paper say that the safety of tourists needs to be regarded more than the safety of all residents.Im on the record, and Ive said many times that the safety and security is the mandate of the police to ensure that all South Africans are safe, including our visitors.De Lille acknowledged the perception that South Africa is not safe for potential tourists. To address this, the department invested R174 million last year and employed 2,300 tourism monitors, collaborating with the private sector. She said that they developed a plan shared with all embassies and consulates in South Africa, as well as missions abroad which aims to reassure potential tourists, yes, come; this is the safety plan that has been put in place because we want people, including South Africans, to feel safe in our own country.The Tourism Minister said that further investigations and consultations are needed, including engagement with the Minister of Police.The proposal that came from one of the people who interacted during the public participation was to say investigate the establishment of a specialised police unit, and thats exactly what I will be doing, said de Lille

Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber has announced that he has signed a historic agreement granting visa free access to South Africa for Ukrainian holders of diplomatic, official and service parts and vice versa.Schreiber made the announcement on social media platform X on Sunday evening.I am honoured to announce that, in my capacity as Minister of Home Affairs representing the Republic of South Africa, I have signed an historic agreement granting visa free access to our country for Ukrainian holders of diplomatic, official and service passports - and vice versa, the minister wrote.We continue to see Ukraine as a valued ally, as a valued friend, who supported us right from the beginning, from the days of our struggle against apartheid, right through to now.Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber. File Picture: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers I look forward to President (Cyril) Ramaphosa adding his signature to this agreement in the coming week, so that we can conclude this important step forward for relations between our two peace-loving nations, Schreiber posted, adding the flags of South Africa and Ukraine.Before midnight on Sunday, the ministers post had ignited almost 2,000 comments as reactions with many questioning the move  just days after Ramaphosa was in Russia for the 16th BRICS Summit hosted by President Vladimir Putin.Apart from attending the Russia-held summit, Ramaphosa also held a closed-door bilateral meeting with Putin.South Africa and Russia have deep historical ties dating back to the fight against apartheid rule in South Africa.As the flurry of comments swelled on Schreibers post, one of the reactions was from Ramaphosas spokesperson Vincent Magwenya who questioned the ministers actions.The president (Ramaphosa) is yet to sign the minute authorising the minister to sign the agreement with Ukraine. It is unclear how the minister can announce signature of an international agreement without prior formal authorisation to do so, said Magwenya in response to Schreiber.On the other hand, on Sunday night the Democratic Alliance welcomed Screibers move.The DA welcomes an announcement by Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, that the Republic of South Africa intends to grant visa-free access to our country for Ukrainian holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports.This development is a poignant show of solidarity by South Africa with the people of Ukraine, an Eastern European country which served as a haven for many anti-apartheid activists during the struggle, and where many exiled South Africans advanced the fight against a racially oppressive regime from abroad with the aid of Ukrainian resources and support, said Member of Parliament Ryan Smith, who is also the partys deputy spokesperson for international relations and cooperation.He added that the DA also welcomes this announcement as a crucial move to advance South African diplomacy and positions South Africa as a diplomatic authority in the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine South Africas recognition of Ukraine and its right to sovereignty is a far better approach to addressing this invasion than the ANCs open support of Russian President, Vladimir Putin, and his conquest of Russian empire which is a clear violation of international law, said Smith.He reiterated that Ukraine has always been an ally in the fight against the systemic disenfranchisement of South Africas black majority by the apartheid government.The move to grant visa-free access to Ukrainian diplomats, officials, and service men and women is a long overdue recognition of this countrys immense contribution to the fall of the apartheid state, said Smith.By granting Ukraine equal diplomatic standing within our own borders, this development would give effect to South Africas constitution, and the principles of democracy and human rights enshrined within it, to strengthen our diplomatic arm to promote peace and stability, and a respect for State sovereignty around the world.Last week, IOL reported that as Ramaphosa and fellow BRICS leaders met in Russia to boost economic development in the Global South, the DA, a key player in the Government of National Unity (GNU), lashed out at Ramaphosas stance towards Russia.In a statement on Wednesday, DA leader John Steenhuisen condemned Ramaphosa for referring to Russia as a valuable ally and friend during an engagement with Putin.None of the DAs Cabinet ministers travelled with Ramaphosa to attend the 16th BRICS Summit.Steenhuisen, who serves as Minister of Agriculture in the GNU, said: The Democratic Alliance distances itself from recent comments made by President Ramaphosa during bilateral engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where he stated that Russia is a valuable ally and friend.

Only an immigration officer may arrest a person deemed an illegal foreigner The process of deporting illegal foreigners in SA is governed by the Immigration Act, which empowers the home affairs department to arrest, detain and deport people who are not entitled to stay in the country. In a reply to a parliamentary question, home affairs minister Leon Schreiber said the department spent close to R53m between April and August to deport 19,750 illegal foreigners.The Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town, a nonprofit organisation which helps migrant communities and displaced people, has detailed the process that must take place after someone has been found to be illegally in the country. The centre says there are certain groups of people who may not be detained for the purposes of deportation. These include asylum seekers and refugees, who are protected against deportation as this might lead to them being persecuted back home. The Immigration Act defines an illegal foreigner as a foreigner who is in the republic in contravention of the Immigration Act, or someone who does not have an asylum-seeker permit, formal recognition of refugee status or a refugee ID, or a valid permit or visa in their passport. The centre said to facilitate deportation, the department worked with the authorities of the foreign nationals country of origin to ensure they would be received upon return. The law is clear: only a police officer or an immigration officer may take a person suspected of being an illegal foreigner into custody. Only an immigration officer may arrest a person who is determined to be an illegal foreigner, or cause them to be arrested by a police officer. Only an immigration officer is able to determine that a person is an illegal foreignerin terms of the Immigration Act, the centre said. Detained people will usually be held at some police stations, prisons, detention facilities and offices under the management of the department. Those detained for deportation may be transferred to the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp, the countrys only immigration detention facility. Lindela is managed by facilities management company EnvironMongz, which also provides security services on behalf of the department.Scalabrini alleged many people detained at Lindela were not able to access the rights entitled to them.Detainees are frequently subjected to unlawful detention periods (including over 120 days), illegal sentencing, restricted access to legal representation, a lack of availability of interpreters, corruption and bribery, and the use of force. One of the latest issues that brought a legal challenge from Scalabrini earlier in 2024 was the alleged detention and deportation of asylum seekers before they could make an application for asylum. Scalabrini said the disturbing new practice of unlawfully arresting asylum seekers at refugee reception offices across SA began nationwide in November 2023. Last month, the Western Cape High Court granted an interim order interdicting the department from initiating any process to deport any foreign national present in SA if that person had indicated their intention of applying for asylum, until their asylum application was determined on its merits.   Part B of the case, which will be heard at a later date, will address the constitutionality of the contested provisions.