In a poignant gathering held in Durban on Tuesday, key stakeholders and roleplayers came together for the KwaZulu-Natal round table on spaza shops. The discussion was led by Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli alongside the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Reverend Musa Zondi, to address critical issues impacting local informal trade. During the session, participants highlighted the steep challenges facing local shop owners, particularly in competing with foreign business operators. Attendees raised significant concerns regarding unfair pricing dynamics and the burden of paying "protection fees." Additionally, the forum emphasized the need for more inclusive government support, specifically advocating for greater assistance for persons with disabilities within the sector. Colleen Makhubele spoke to Zain Bulbulia - Acting Chief Director at Office of Premier a seasoned professional with extensive expertise Institutional Transformation, Disability Rights, Public Sector, and Corporate transformation and Itumeleng Tsele – Entrepreneur making homemade gym equipment.