Sanco has no right to chase away foreigners: Zulu

Small Business Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu has condemned an instruction to foreigners by the SA Civic Organisation (Sanco) to leave Snake Park in Soweto.

Sanco has reportedly sent a letter to residents saying foreign-owned shops will be closed. But Zulu says Sanco has not right to instruct foreigners to leave.

The minister confirms that her office is engaging with the community, adding that: "we cannot, as a department, be working alone." She emphasises that there is no structure that has a right to instruct any foreigners to leave.

According to Zulu, Sanco has to work together with government on the issue as it is not right for them to be calling for foreigners to leave the area.

    Nine local business owners were arrested for public violence on Thursday while four foreign shop owners face charges of possession of illegal firearms.

Reports on Friday indicated that Soweto residents are divided over the future of foreign owned shops in the township. Owners of the shops are said to be fleeing the area following renewed attacks on Thursday.

Shops were set a light and one foreign national was caught in the blaze but he's recovering in hospital. Local business owners have now renewed their call for foreign owned businesses to stop operations. Pat Mamabolo from Concerned Business Associates says government has to meet them halfway.

Nine local business owners were arrested for public violence on Thursday while four foreign shop owners face charges of possession of illegal firearms.