By Nkosana Khumalo
The African Transformation Movement (ATM), under the leadership of Vuyo Zungula, has officially petitioned the Public Protector to investigate the rising public health crisis linked to expired and decayed food sold in informal shops. Following incidents at schools like Ngaqa Primary and KwaBhaca High, Zungula’s letter outlines government negligence in ensuring food safety and calls for urgent reform in oversight mechanisms. With a spate of deaths and severe health complications, the ATM is demanding accountability from key ministries .
This matter is compounded by growing concerns over the lack of regulatory oversight within the Department of Health and municipal health authorities. Zungula emphasized that such lapses are contributing to the deaths and severe illnesses reported in numerous communities, particularly in underprivileged areas. According to Zungula, this failure highlights the inadequacies of the government’s approach to consumer protection, especially concerning food safety regulations in informal markets.
“We must hold these entities accountable for their failures,” Zungula said in a statement, calling for immediate interventions by municipal health inspectors and the National Consumer Commission (NCC). He expressed that the negligence is not only a health risk but also a constitutional violation, given that the South African Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to a safe environment, including access to safe food.
Zungula further requested a thorough investigation into why expired goods continue to be sold despite the presence of consumer protection laws. His complaint detailed several alarming instances, including allegations of counterfeit food products being sold without government intervention. “This issue persists due to the lack of regulation and oversight, making it an attractive breeding ground for unscrupulous individuals who put profit ahead of human lives,” he noted. This sentiment echoed his previous remarks about the unequal treatment of communities, where he stressed that if these incidents were affecting wealthier, predominantly white neighborhoods, the response would be different .
Incidents of foodborne illnesses in schools have been on the rise, with cases reported in major regions like Gauteng, Limpopo, and the Eastern Cape. Zungula highlighted that the situation is dire, with over 1,000 cases linked to the consumption of expired or substandard products in just a few months. According to Zungula, this signals a larger systemic issue in government oversight, one that requires urgent reform to protect public health and safety. The ATM is calling for an overhaul of existing policies and stricter enforcement to ensure that unsafe food is removed from the market.
Moreover, the ATM has demanded that the NCC and municipal health inspectors collaborate more effectively to enforce stricter regulations on the sale of food in informal markets. The party believes that stronger legal frameworks are necessary to deter the sale of expired goods and hold responsible parties accountable. Zungula argued that it is not just a health crisis, but a human rights violation, with the government failing to fulfil its duty to protect vulnerable citizens.
The ATM also pointed to the importance of consumer awareness, urging the government to launch educational campaigns informing the public about the dangers of expired food products. Zungula suggested that alongside stricter enforcement, there must be efforts to educate the public, particularly in disadvantaged areas where access to fresh and safe food is limited.
As investigations by the Public Protector begin, the ATM remains firm in its stance that this issue cannot be ignored any longer. Zungula stated, “The health and safety of South Africans must come first, and we will hold those responsible accountable for their negligence.” The party continues to rally for stronger government intervention and oversight to prevent further health risks.
Key Takeaways:
• Vuyo Zungula’s call for a Public Protector investigation highlights the failure of government entities like the Department of Health and NCC to regulate food safety.
• ATM stresses the constitutional violation resulting from the sale of unsafe goods, particularly in black communities.
• Foodborne diseases linked to expired products have led to fatalities in schools and communities across the country, prompting urgent calls for reform.Download Here:
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