BusinessAugust 21, 2026
spaza
SPAH-zuh
Definition
An informal, small-scale retail business, typically operated from a private home or makeshift structure in a township in South Africa.
Etymology
The word originates from South African slang in the 1980s, derived from the isiZulu word 'ispaza,' meaning 'fake' or 'make-believe,' originally referring to clandestine shops operating without formal business licenses.
In the news
The article identifies spaza shops as key local businesses that can benefit from transitioning to digital payment systems to modernize their operations.
Digital payment skills could unlock income opportunities for unemployed township residents
Read the full article ↗Knysna-Plett Herald