By Thabo Mosia
Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, has issued a stern warning to Soweto residents against aiding foreign nationals in illegally registering their spaza shops. The warning comes amid allegations that a shop owner in Diepkloof, linked to the tragic death of a five-year-old boy, attempted to use his landlord’s identity documents to register his business.
Food Poisoning Tragedies in Soweto
The issue has gained urgency following multiple incidents of food poisoning in Soweto. Most recently, five-year-old Siyabonga Mnisi died after consuming contaminated snacks purchased from a local spaza shop near his home. Three other children were hospitalised after eating the same snacks.
Last month, a similar incident in Naledi, Soweto, claimed the lives of six children under the age of 10 who ate chips bought at a spaza shop. Authorities found that the shop operated under unhygienic conditions and failed to meet basic health and safety standards.
Maile Visits Bereaved Family
On Thursday, Maile visited Siyabonga Mnisi’s grieving family in Diepkloof to offer condolences and support. The Gauteng government has committed to assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
“It’s a poor family, and we agreed that we will work with the local leadership to ensure that we help them organise a decent funeral,” Maile said.
Spaza Shop Shutdowns
Authorities have since closed the spaza shop implicated in Siyabonga’s death. Police also confiscated the store’s stock, with Maile confirming that several items were expired.
“The police will be confiscating the whole stock because some of the items I’ve seen myself have expired,” Maile stated.
Illegal Business Operations Highlighted
While Home Affairs officials confirmed that the shop owner is in South Africa legally, it was revealed that the business was operating without proper registration.
Maile explained:
“Home Affairs said all those documents are illegal, meaning those people are here legally, though they are not South Africans. Being here legally does not mean you must run illegal operations.”
Government Crackdown on Spaza Shops
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently ordered the registration of all spaza shops within 21 days following a spate of food safety incidents that have claimed the lives of over 20 children in recent weeks. The registration drive aims to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
Maile reiterated the importance of registering spaza shops to protect public health and safety, warning residents against enabling illegal operations:
“We must close shops like this one because people must also be educated and know which spaza shops they must buy from and which to avoid. To assume that all spaza shops are bad, however, is not a fair criticism.”
Community Education and Awareness
The Gauteng government plans to work with community leaders to raise awareness about the importance of food safety and the need to purchase from registered, compliant businesses.
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