Against Shoprite’s Silence
Reporter – George April
Khayelitsha:- A peaceful yet powerful picket was held this morning by members of the Site C community outside Shoprite Plaza, Site C, demanding long-overdue dialogue and accountability from one of the country’s largest retail chains.
From 7:30 to 10:00 AM, local leaders from the Site C Business Forum, Ward Development Forums 18 and 87, SANCO, faith-based organisations, and concerned residents gathered in unity. Their aim: to highlight what they call “years of silence and neglect” by Shoprite’s Properties Department.
According to the organisers, this action follows over two years of failed attempts to secure engagement on urgent community matters. Unlike other Shoprite locations that have dedicated liaison officers and community forums, Site C has none.
Key issues raised include:
Lack of evergreen procurement access for Site C businesses
Absence of Corporate Social Investment (CSI) in the community
Serious safety and security concerns in and around the plaza
No transparency regarding the Shoprite Site C Trust
Unemployment and lack of youth opportunities
A complete lack of formal community engagement structures
“Site C is being sidelined. This is more than neglect, it’s blatant disrespect to a community that supports Shoprite daily,” said Melikhaya Yalwa, spokesperson for the Site C community.
Despite the peaceful nature of the gathering, community leaders were alarmed when Shoprite responded by deploying armed security personnel, a move many said only escalated tensions and deepened mistrust.
“We came in peace, with open hands and honest demands,” said one protestor. “But they greeted us with guns, not dialogue.”
Community leaders have committed to keeping residents informed of next steps and have cautioned Shoprite that ongoing silence may lead to further unrest. However, they have made it clear they will not be held responsible should frustration boil over.
The community now awaits a formal response from Shoprite, not security personnel, but sincere engagement.
For media contact:
Melikhaya Yalwa
📞 078 648 2812
Email: sitecbusinessforum@gmail.com