South African businesses—from street vendors selling sweets and fast food like amagwinya to salons, spaza shops, large companies, and even medical practitioners are increasingly falling victim to protection fees. Criminals demand regular payments from these business owners in exchange for “protection” from violence, vandalism, or other criminals.
What was once considered a localised problem has now spread to the entire nation. Street vendors and fast food sellers as well as small salons are being forced to pay protection fees just to operate. These criminals promise that, in exchange for payment, they will protect businesses from being targeted by others and even track down those who steal from them. However, the reality is far grimmer—those who cannot keep up with these payments face relentless harassment, with many forced to close their businesses. In the worst cases, refusal to pay has led to violence and even death.
The crisis has not spared even the medical sector. Recently, a user on X (formerly Twitter) by the handle @Quezi_n shared a statement from an ophthalmology practitioner in Mthatha, who announced the permanent closure of their practice due to protection fees and threats to their life.
I present to you uMthatha. They’re targeting professionals ngoku pic.twitter.com/p51UL0I6iR
— Taima (@Quezi_n) August 17, 2024
The public reaction to this crisis has been one of outrage and frustration. Comments on social media paint a bleak picture of the situation across the country.
Another comment came from a user who expressed deep concern about the state of governance:
Unfortunately this shows our government has been infiltrated by criminals cause where do you allow medical services to collapse cause you can’t deal with thugs. We are gonna end up worse than the African countries we laugh at.
— Sirboring🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 (@sirboring_26) August 18, 2024
One user remarked:
Yoh the way this thing is even big in cpt. Having to pay protection fees to a random boss to be able to run a business peacefully in your neighborhood is crazy business
— SMILE KEEPER ♥ (@MbarrLeigh) August 18, 2024
Also see: Internet reacts to R200-300K Scorpion Kings booking fee
