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Parliament, Monday, 13 July 2026 – The Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade has strongly condemned the burning of spaza shops and other private property over the weekend and has called on all South Africans to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.
The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Sonja Boshoff, said the committee remains deeply concerned by these developments and unequivocally condemns all acts of arson, vandalism and violence directed at businesses and private property.
“Communities are understandably frustrated, but this does not justify the destruction or burning of private property. Such actions only pit South Africans against one another and undermine legitimate concerns that deserve to be addressed through lawful means. Violence and criminality damage South Africa’s reputation at a time when government is working to attract the investment needed to grow the economy, create jobs and restore confidence in our country.”
Various unverified videos circulating on social media appear to show spaza shops and other properties being set alight in several townships across Gauteng. Ms Boshoff said that, should these incidents be confirmed, law enforcement agencies must act swiftly to investigate those responsible and ensure that criminal acts committed under the guise of legitimate protest are dealt with decisively.
“Every South African has a responsibility to protect our country’s reputation as a nation governed by the rule of law and committed to economic growth. We all have a role to play in promoting South Africa as a safe and attractive investment destination through both our words and our actions.”
Ms Boshoff acknowledged that many South Africans are genuinely frustrated by longstanding failures to effectively enforce immigration, business registration and trading laws. However, she stressed that these failures cannot be used to justify violence or criminal conduct.
“The law governing business registration, municipal compliance, food safety and immigration must be enforced fairly, consistently and without fear or favour. Government must also investigate and dismantle any criminal syndicates, where credible evidence exists, operating within the informal trading supply chain.”
She concluded by emphasising that government must prioritise creating opportunities for South Africans while ensuring that all businesses operating in the country comply fully with South African law.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TRADE, MS SONJA BOSHOFF.
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