By Thobeka Makume
In response to a disturbing rise in food poisoning cases linked to spaza shops, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is set to announce new by-laws regulating the operations of these small-scale retailers.
On Sunday, Lesufi will address Gauteng residents, outlining stringent regulations aimed at safeguarding public health and preventing further tragedies. The announcement comes as dozens of people, primarily children, have fallen victim to foodborne illnesses allegedly stemming from contaminated food products sold at local spaza shops.
The recent wave of food poisoning incidents, which has resulted in numerous fatalities, has sparked urgent calls for regulatory reform. The Gauteng government, led by Premier Lesufi, is now moving swiftly to implement comprehensive measures to address this public health crisis and ensure the safety of food sold in informal markets.
A Provincial Response to a Growing Crisis
Premier Lesufi will meet with members of the executive council, municipal leaders, and department heads to discuss and coordinate Gauteng’s response to the food poisoning epidemic. The new by-laws, expected to cover a range of operational and safety standards, are part of a broader strategy to ensure that spaza shops meet health regulations and provide safe products to the community.
“This is a tragic situation that requires immediate and unified action at all levels—government, business, and the community,” Lesufi stated. He added that the recent incidents have underscored the need for stricter oversight of spaza shops, which often operate with minimal regulation. Lesufi is scheduled to address the media on Sunday at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown, Johannesburg, where he will outline the specifics of the new regulations and enforcement strategies.
National Support for Regulatory Reform
The issue has gained attention at the national level, with President Cyril Ramaphosa recently addressing the matter at the presidential community imbizo in Umgababa, Durban. During his speech, Ramaphosa announced that the government had approved a proclamation to regulate spaza shops, which will be implemented under the leadership of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA). This initiative is aimed at combating the escalating food safety crisis, which has impacted communities across the country.
In his address, Ramaphosa expressed deep concern over the “recklessness” of some spaza shops in maintaining food safety standards. “We have in the past few weeks lost a number of school children who have died as a result of some chemical that has been found in the food or the snacks they have been eating and buying from spaza shops,” he said. The president emphasised that the government is taking the matter seriously, noting that the health and safety of citizens, particularly vulnerable children, is a top priority.
COGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa Tasked with Oversight
To strengthen the response, President Ramaphosa has assigned COGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa the responsibility of overseeing the regulation of spaza shops. Hlabisa’s role will include working with provincial and municipal governments to develop and enforce new standards for spaza shop operations. The initiative aims to address the critical gaps in food safety measures that have allowed contaminated food to reach the shelves of these small retailers.
The decision to involve COGTA reflects the national government’s commitment to tackling this issue at the highest level. By centralising the regulatory efforts, the government hopes to create a uniform approach to food safety that can be enforced across all provinces, ensuring that the measures taken in Gauteng serve as a model for the rest of the country.
The Impact of Food Poisoning on Communities
The recent cases of food poisoning have highlighted the vulnerabilities in South Africa’s informal food sector, particularly within spaza shops. In Gauteng and other provinces, several children have died, and many others have been hospitalised after consuming allegedly contaminated food from these outlets. The crisis has also affected numerous schools, where learners have reportedly fallen ill after purchasing snacks from nearby spaza shops.
The incidents have led to an outpouring of concern from parents and communities, who are demanding that authorities take immediate action to prevent further harm. The Gauteng provincial government’s decision to introduce strict by-laws for spaza shops is a direct response to these concerns, aiming to restore public trust in the informal food market and protect vulnerable populations from unsafe food products.
New By-Laws and Expected Changes
The new by-laws to be introduced by Premier Lesufi are anticipated to include several key measures designed to improve food safety standards in spaza shops. Although the exact details will be revealed during his announcement, the regulations are expected to cover:
1. Licensing and Registration: Spaza shops may be required to obtain official licenses and register with local authorities to ensure that they meet basic operational standards.
2. Health and Safety Inspections: Routine inspections by health officials to monitor food storage, handling, and hygiene practices, ensuring that spaza shops adhere to safety protocols.
3. Product Sourcing and Labelling: Requirements for clear labelling of products and traceable sourcing to prevent the sale of expired or improperly stored items that could pose health risks.
4. Employee Training: Mandatory training programs for spaza shop employees on safe food handling and hygiene practices to reduce the risk of contamination.
5. Penalties for Non-Compliance: Imposition of fines, suspension, or closure of spaza shops found to be in violation of health and safety standards.
These measures are expected to form the foundation of a regulatory framework that will hold spaza shops accountable and ensure that they operate in a manner that prioritises consumer safety.
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