Sakhumzi Maqubela Advocates Urgent Action on Borders and Loadshedding

Source: Sunday world, 10/01/2023

Sakhumzi Maqubela, owner of the renowned Sakhumzi restaurant in Vilakazi Street, Soweto, has underscored the pressing issues of porous borders and ongoing loadshedding, emphasizing their adverse effects on the country`s economy. In an exclusive interview with Sunday World on January 8, 2024, Maqubela articulated the urgent need for government intervention to tackle these challenges head-on.

Porous Borders: A Threat to Economic Growth

Maqubela began by addressing the critical issue of porous borders, expressing concern over the unchecked entry of undocumented foreigners into the country. Drawing parallels with countries like Italy, where strict border control has contributed to a decline in crime rates, he urged the South African government to adopt similar regulations.

`There is nothing like [xenophobia]; no self-respecting country should allow its borders to be open and not guarded 24/7,` Maqubela asserted. He emphasized that undocumented foreigners pose a significant challenge, calling for immediate and decisive action to avoid a surge in criminal activities.

`Undocumented foreigners are a problem in this country. The government must take the necessary and urgent steps to arrest the situation before it gets worse,` Maqubela urged, highlighting recent incidents such as the burglary of his filling station and bombings of township ATMs.

He expressed concern over the lack of answers to such criminal activities, stating, `If we cannot find answers to these questions, we are all in big trouble.`

Security Industry Practices Under Scrutiny

Maqubela further criticized the practice of granting licenses to foreign nationals to operate security companies. He argued that this not only defies logic but could also lead to chaos and violence that local authorities may struggle to control.

`It just does not make sense to offer licenses to foreign nationals to operate security companies. If we do that, then we will foment chaos and violence we will have no capacity to control,` Maqubela remarked, emphasizing the potential risks associated with such a practice.

Loadshedding Impedes Job Creation

Turning his attention to the persistent issue of loadshedding, Maqubela highlighted its detrimental impact on black businesses` efforts to create jobs. Despite the expansion plans for his restaurant business, he urged Eskom and the government to collaborate in putting an end to loadshedding, emphasizing its hindrance to job creation and economic growth.

`While black business is committed to helping create jobs, our efforts are somewhat sabotaged by the unending loadshedding,` he lamented.

Call for Visible Policing and Skills Development

Maqubela advocated for visible policing in all black townships, asserting that a lack of police presence tempts communities to take the law into their own hands. He underscored the importance of proactive policing to deter criminal activities.

Furthermore, he called on the government and private agencies to invest heavily in training and upskilling young black individuals, particularly those lacking business skills. Such investments, according to Maqubela, would contribute significantly to reducing unemployment in the country.

Business Expansion Amid Challenges

Despite these challenges, Maqubela revealed plans to expand his business with new branches in Phefeni, Soweto, and Zoo Lake, Parkview. He expressed excitement about the developments in his organization and the employment opportunities these new branches would bring.

In conclusion, Sakhumzi Maqubela`s insights serve as a call to action for the government to address the vulnerabilities associated with porous borders, security industry practices, loadshedding, and the need for visible policing and skills development. As South Africa navigates these economic challenges, Maqubela remains optimistic about the positive impact of business expansion on job creation, provided that critical issues are addressed promptly.