For generations, the township tuck shop was more than just a place to buy bread, milk or airtime. It was the heartbeat of many communities—a family business passed down through generations, a source of employment, and a symbol of local entrepreneurship. But over the years, many South
African-owned shops struggled to survive. Rising operating costs, crime, limited access to finance, shrinking profit margins and fierce competition forced many owners to close their doors or rent out their businesses. In their place, foreign nationals—particularly Somali traders—built highly organised supply chains and business models that allowed them to thrive where many locals could not. Fast forward to today, and the conversation has shifted once again. Following recent anti-immigration protests, some of these township shops now stand vacant after foreign operators
left certain communities. Rather than allowing those businesses to remain closed, the KwaZulu-Natal government, under the leadership of Premier Thami Ntuli, is launching an ambitious initiative to help South Africans reclaim their place in the township economy. Working alongside private-sector
partners, including Checkers, Uber Eats and other stakeholders, the programme aims to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the support they need to build sustainable township businesses. But can South Africans succeed where many previously struggled? Or does rebuilding township retail
require much more than simply handing back the keys?