Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has confirmed that the government has conducted inspections of more than 200 000 spaza shops, resulting in the closure of over 1 000 spaza shops, supermarkets, and warehouses that failed to comply with health regulations.
During a media briefing on Thursday, Ntshavheni outlined the extent of the government’s intervention following a surge in food poisoning incidents, which recently claimed the lives of more than 20 children.
“As of November 2024, government interventions have resulted in the closure of more than 1 000 spaza shops. Additionally, we have confiscated large quantities of goods and issued numerous fines for violations of the by-laws,” she said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa echoed these measures in his address to the National Council of Provinces on November 28, reinforcing the urgency of the situation.
Having called for a comprehensive re-registration of spaza shops within a 21-day timeframe, Ramaphosa stated: “We take this crisis very seriously, and urgent measures are required to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
The closures have mainly targeted establishments that failed to adhere to proper food handling protocols, prompting the government to enforce stricter standards across the board.
With a commitment to enhancing food safety, the government has established a National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), which has been tasked with coordinating a comprehensive response to this scourge.
Ntshavheni added that a significant R500 million fund aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) is set to be established by the Department of Small Business Development and Trade Competition.
“There will be added scrutiny on manufacturers of food stuff and pesticides to ensure that proper controls are adhered to. The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) continues to coordinate response in this regard and the Department of Small Business Development and Trade Competition is finalisingare finalising the setting up of an SMME fund to the value of R500 million to support locally-owned businesses,” she said.
This initiative, she said, is expected to bolster local businesses while ensuring heightened scrutiny of manufacturers implicated in the procurement of harmful substances.
The government’s declaration of a national disaster in the wake of the tragic food poisoning events has prompted collective action against the sale of hazardous chemicals and pesticides.
“There have been moments where health regulations have not been followed... leading to the death of these children,” Ramaphosa said, urging individuals in the community to comply with re-registration processes.
The Star