Bread prices climb as residents feel the impact of changing ownership at township spaza shops

Residents say everyday essentials now cost more as local shop owners face different business challenges

For many families, a loaf of bread is one of the last household essentials they expect to become unaffordable. But in parts of Durban, residents say even this daily staple has become noticeably more expensive following changes in ownership at local spaza shops.

Across communities such as Chesterville and KwaMashu, shoppers say they are paying higher prices for basic groceries, with some pointing to the recent shift from foreign-owned to South African-owned spaza shops as a key reason.

While many residents welcomed the opportunity for local entrepreneurs to take over businesses in their communities, some now say the rising cost of food is placing additional strain on households already battling South Africa’s high cost of living.

“Everything costs more now”

In Chesterville, 37-year-old single mother Zandile says the difference has been immediate.

She claims a loaf of bread that previously cost around R20 is now selling for R30 at some neighbourhood shops.

According to her, questioning the higher prices often leads to the same responsethat customers are free to shop elsewhere if they can find cheaper options.

Residents in nearby KwaMashu have shared similar experiences, saying increases have affected more than just bread. Some shoppers report paying significantly more for small everyday items, including individual tea bags and other convenience purchases.

For families who rely on nearby spaza shops for daily essentials rather than monthly supermarket trips, even small price increases can quickly add up.

Why prices may be increasing

Economists and informal retail experts have long pointed out that many foreign-owned spaza shops operate under a different business model.

In many communities, foreign shop owners combine their purchasing power by buying stock in bulk, allowing them to negotiate lower prices with wholesalers. Those savings can then be passed on to customers while still generating a profit.

Many newer South African-owned businesses, however, purchase stock independently and in smaller quantities. Without the same bulk-buying arrangements or supplier discounts, operating costs are often higher, making it more difficult to match the prices customers had become accustomed to.

Business experts have previously noted that access to affordable supply chains, working capital and wholesale networks is just as important as shop ownership when it comes to keeping prices low.

Residents also notice shorter trading hours

Price is not the only issue being raised.

Some KwaMashu residents say local shops are now opening later and closing earlier than they did previously.

For parents sending children to school or workers leaving home before sunrise, early morning access to fresh bread and other essentials had become part of their daily routine.

Others say shorter operating hours make it harder to buy groceries after work, forcing some households to travel further or adjust their shopping habits.

Government support aims to strengthen local businesses

Recognising the challenges facing township retailers, government launched the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund in 2025 to help more South Africans establish and grow successful spaza businesses.

The programme is designed to assist qualifying shop owners with funding and support, helping them become more competitive in a sector that has, in many areas, been dominated by foreign-owned businesses.

So far, 2,369 spaza shops have been approved for assistance, with R179.6 million allocated. More than R320 million remains available.

Government says progress has been slower than expected because many applicants did not have valid trading licences or failed to meet other compliance requirements. Authorities have since expanded outreach efforts to help more business owners qualify for funding.

The bigger picture

The debate around township spaza shops goes beyond who owns the businesses. For many residents, affordability remains the biggest concern.

Whether a shop is owned by a South African or a foreign national, customers ultimately want reliable service, competitive prices and convenient trading hours.

As more locally owned businesses establish themselves, many community members hope increased access to funding, better supply networks and stronger business support will help reduce costs and ensure township shoppers are not left paying more for everyday essentials.