By Nkosana Khumalo
In light of recent foodborne illness outbreaks and fatalities across South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation soon, outlining the government’s comprehensive response to these incidents. During a post-Cabinet briefing held in Cape Town on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni confirmed that Cabinet has been apprised of the alarming rise in foodborne illness cases, some of which have tragically resulted in deaths, including those of young children.
The outbreaks, which have affected several provinces, including Gauteng, Mpumalanga, the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Free State, have led to multiple hospitalisations and fatalities. Among the most concerning incidents was the death of six children in Naledi, Soweto, after consuming snacks tainted with a highly toxic organophosphate pesticide known as Terbufos.
Government’s Immediate Response to the Crisis
As South Africans await the President’s address, the government has taken steps to mitigate further risk and trace the sources of these foodborne illnesses. Minister Ntshavheni explained that the Department of Health has activated the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), tasking it with tracing and examining the sources of food contamination. NICD’s involvement underscores the seriousness of the situation, as the institute will be responsible for conducting detailed investigations and recommending measures to prevent further outbreaks.
“The President will address the nation on the interventions government is undertaking to deal with this situation,” Ntshavheni stated. She further expressed Cabinet’s condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives to these illnesses, noting the devastating impact on communities and particularly on affected families and schools.
Investigations Reveal Presence of Highly Toxic Chemical in Soweto Incident
The NICD’s initial investigations have shed light on the tragic deaths in Naledi, Soweto, where six children died after consuming snacks purchased from a local spaza shop. Health officials have confirmed that the snacks were contaminated with Terbufos, an organophosphate pesticide classified as highly toxic. This substance, commonly used in agriculture, can be fatal if ingested in even small amounts.
The antidote for organophosphate poisoning is an intravenous injection of atropine, commonly administered in cases of poisoning from substances like insecticides. In response to the Soweto incident, the Department of Health has emphasised the importance of immediate medical attention in cases of suspected poisoning and has begun to raise public awareness about the risks associated with unregulated products sold in informal markets.
Government Prepares for National Interventions and Improved Regulation
As part of a broader effort to prevent similar incidents, the government has moved forward with policy measures aimed at regulating township economies, where many spaza shops operate. Minister Ntshavheni confirmed that the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, in collaboration with the Department of Small Business Development, has gazetted Standard Draft By-laws for Township Economies. These by-laws are designed to provide municipalities with a framework for regulating business operations in townships, with the goal of promoting safety, inclusivity, and compliance with health standards.
“Cabinet extends condolences to the families, friends, and schoolmates of all the children who lost their lives due to foodborne illnesses,” Ntshavheni said. She further highlighted that these by-laws aim to curb illegal business practices and ensure that township economies are better aligned with national safety standards.
Potential for Special Cabinet Meeting and Enhanced Security Measures
Minister Ntshavheni addressed questions regarding the possibility of a special Cabinet meeting to tackle the foodborne illness crisis. She indicated that while the establishment of a special Cabinet meeting remains a consideration, the exact timing will depend on the completion of work currently being undertaken by ministerial committees. The Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security Cluster, in particular, is actively involved in coordinating the government’s response to the crisis.
Ntshavheni clarified that while the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has been mobilised to handle the situation, there are no plans to deploy the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to monitor spaza shops. “In terms of work that is underway, we think between ourselves, as the Security Cluster, outside of Defence, we have the capacity to handle what has to be handled,” she said.
Timeline for President Ramaphosa’s Address to the Nation
The President’s forthcoming address is expected to provide a detailed overview of the government’s interventions and future plans to protect South Africans from foodborne risks. While a specific date for the address has not been set, Ntshavheni confirmed that the Joint Planning Committee for Security is actively working on finalising preparations for the President’s message. “Depending on the progress made by various committees and provincial teams, if we complete our work in time, the President will address the nation this week,” she stated.
The urgency of the situation has prompted swift action from multiple government departments and agencies, with the goal of reassuring the public that measures are being taken to prevent further tragedies. The President’s address is expected to cover the progress of investigations, the steps being taken to regulate food safety in informal markets, and the long-term strategies to prevent future outbreaks.
Rising Concerns Over Food Safety in South Africa’s Informal Economy
The recent foodborne illness outbreaks have raised serious concerns about food safety within South Africa’s informal economy. Spaza shops, which serve as a vital source of affordable goods in many communities, are often unregulated and may lack oversight to ensure the safety of their products. This lack of regulation has made some of these establishments vulnerable to selling unsafe or counterfeit products, which can pose a significant health risk.
Experts have called for stricter enforcement of food safety standards in the informal sector, noting that a coordinated approach is essential to protect vulnerable communities. As township economies continue to grow, the need for effective regulation has become increasingly urgent, with public health advocates urging the government to prioritise consumer safety while supporting economic development.
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