• The Khayelitsha Security and Cleaning Organisation says Shoprite refuses to meet them after three years of requests.

• They want small business owners from Khayelitsha to be included in security and cleaning tenders.

Shoppers at Shoprite in Khayelitsha Mall were turned away by angry community members who say the supermarket has ignored them for years.

The Khayelitsha Security and Cleaning Organisation arrived at the mall at 7am on Thursday and began blocking customers from entering.

Deputy chairperson Nokhwezi Makhaluza said the group has tried for three years to get a meeting with Shoprite, but the retailer keeps ignoring them.

“We’ve done everything. This is our last resort,” she said.

They want local small businesses to be considered when Shoprite gives out tenders for cleaning and security services.

Makhaluza said they are not demanding that all workers be hired from Khayelitsha. “If the company needs 10 people, we want at least five to come from local small businesses,” she said.

The group says Shoprite benefits from the Khayelitsha community but gives nothing back.

By midday, no one from Shoprite had come out to speak to them.

“Look at the time,” said Makhaluza. “We’ve been here since morning. No one has bothered to come speak to us. We will keep blocking customers until they do.”

Some shoppers supported the protest. Nomsindisi Gwade, 40, said: “Supermarkets in the townships should work with the people of the township. They must give back to the community.”

Shoprite was asked for comment, and their response will be added when it is received.

Pictured above: Khayelitsha Security and Cleaning Organisation members turned Shoprite customers away. They want the supermarket to agree to a meeting with them.

Image source: Buziwe Nocuze