Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has stated that 23 children have died as a result of spaza store food contamination, with 441 reports being recorded since January 2024.
These instances resulted from a serious food safety crisis, which predominantly impacted youngsters aged 6 to 10 who ate snacks from spaza shops near schools.
“Seven postmortem results out of the 19 deaths tested positive for organophosphate,” Lesufi told reporters Sunday.
Johannesburg has the most deaths, followed by Ekurhuleni, while the West Rand has reported numerous suspected food poisoning instances.
Regarding the situation, Lesufi stated that the Gauteng government established an intervention plan following an emergency meeting with executive mayors, MMCs, speakers, department heads, and municipal managers.
He said, “We all agreed that addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach involving stricter regulations, better enforcement of existing laws, and increased public awareness about the potential dangers associated with purchasing from unregulated spaza shops and informal traders.”
[ Group Accuses Suspended Head Of Ekurhuleni Metro Police Of Illegal Operations ]
He stated that the province was taking immediate action, including mandatory re-registration of spaza shops, particularly those linked to illnesses and deaths, implementing new uniform bylaws across all municipalities, weekly engagements and meetings, and regular health inspections and compliance monitoring.
Premier @Lesufi has convened a meeting with Members of the Executive Council, Mayors, Members of Mayoral Council, Speakers, Heads of Department, & Municipal Managers, to discuss the implementation of by-laws & regulations for the operation of spaza shops in Gauteng . pic.twitter.com/IAs0i553un
— Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) November 10, 2024
Lesufi did not rule out the positive role the informal sector plays in the economy; he, however, stated that there will be proper regulation to control the activities of the operators of spaza shops.
“Government is aware that the informal sector is a vital component of our economy. As it affects people’s livelihoods, it provides opportunities for many who would otherwise be marginalised. And is essential for tackling the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment, and inequality,” he said.
He further stated that it has been uncovered that numerous informal retail stores operate without adequate licenses or certificates of acceptability, frequently selling products that do not exceed safety standards.
In response, provincial officials established an emergency healthcare number (012 3456789) to alert stores selling expired items.
Lesufi also said that a new reporting template is being created for hospitals, schools, and community healthcare centres to ensure proper incidence monitoring. Non-compliant stores must be closed immediately, according to law authorities.
While assuring the public that the issue will be addressed, he promised that the government would hold weekly municipal meetings. He further assured that the media will be briefed regularly.
Lesufi said the Gauteng government will conduct weekly municipal meetings and provide media updates every Sunday to address the crisis.
“It is the responsibility of informal traders to trade by legal requirements and in a manner that promotes public health and safety,” Lesufi said while encouraging the public to always check the food expiration dates before buying.
Catch up with the latest news from The Times Post on WhatsApp by following our channel. Click here to join.
Kindly follow @thetimespost on Instagram. On X (Twitter), follow @thetimespost2.
