The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, will visit an eight-year-old boy who is currently hospitalised and in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, Johannesburg.
According to media reports, the child allegedly fell ill after consuming contaminated snacks purchased from a spaza shop in Mapetla, Soweto.
“This visit underscores growing concerns about the health risks associated with unregulated food products sold in informal retail outlets,” the Department Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said.
In November 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a directive requiring all spaza shops and food-handling facilities to register with their respective municipalities.
This action was prompted by incidents involving foodborne illnesses that resulted in over 890 cases and nearly 30 deaths since September 2024.
In October last year, six primary school children from Naledi, Soweto, died after allegedly eating snacks from a foreign-owned local spaza shop.
According to the department, spaza shops are crucial in local communities, often serving as the primary source of essential goods in underserved areas.
“Consequently, it is essential that spaza shops be registered, to ensure compliance with food safety regulations, remove hazardous products from the market, protect children, and prevent future outbreaks of foodborne illnesses.”
However, the department reiterated government’s commitment to supporting spaza shop owners by providing financial assistance and educational resources to help them adhere to health standards.
“Furthermore, the government is dedicated to ensuring that informal food retailers operate in a manner that benefits their communities while safeguarding public health.”
Hlabisa reiterates that CoGTA will continue to work with all stakeholders to improve the safety and regulation of food products sold in spaza shops.
“These efforts are vital to protect public health and ensure that informal retail outlets operate in accordance with established health and safety guidelines.”
The Minister is expected to visit the boy tomorrow morning, 11 April 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
