By BAKANG MOKOTO
29 September 2026 – Forum for South Africa (FORUM4SA) has called for urgent government intervention to investigate alleged financial transactions involving informal businesses, including spaza shops, amid concerns that billions of rand may be leaving the country through unregistered channels. In a statement issued on 28 September 2026, the organisation said a report examining migrant communities and the informal economy in Tshwane had raised concerns about the movement of money generated through informal businesses.
FORUM4SA national leader Tebogo Mashilompane said the alleged financial outflows highlighted the need for stronger regulation, accountability and enforcement of financial laws.
“South Africa cannot afford an informal economy that operates outside the law while local communities struggle with unemployment and poverty,” Mashilompane said.
The organisation expressed concern that some foreign-owned informal businesses allegedly operate without creating meaningful employment opportunities for South Africans, while potentially contributing to unemployment and the outflow of money from the economy. FORUM4SA also raised concerns about reports that some spaza shops in rural communities charge additional fees for airtime purchases and cash withdrawals.
According to the organisation, residents in some rural areas have limited access to ATMs and rely on local shops for essential financial services. The organisation called on government to strengthen the regulation and monitoring of informal businesses, investigate alleged illegal financial transactions and enforce laws prohibiting unlawful additional charges on airtime and cash withdrawals.
It also urged authorities to prioritise employment opportunities for South Africans, support locally owned businesses and improve access to banking services, particularly in rural communities.
Mashilompane said economic activity should benefit South Africa and its people, calling for accountability, effective law enforcement and an economic environment that creates opportunities for South Africans.
Meanwhile, the allegations regarding financial outflows and unlawful charges have not been independently verified in the statement.
