Ramaphosa targets illegal spaza shops: Register or shut down!

President Cyril Ramaphosa has given all spaza shops in South Africa 21 days to register with their local municipalities or face closure.

President Ramaphosa has urged all illegal spaza shops to get registered in 21 days or face closure Image via Instagram - @cyrilramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed all spaza shops in South Africa to register with their municipalities within 21 days or face closure.

This urgent order follows a wave of food-borne illnesses that have claimed the lives of 22 children in recent weeks, most of which were linked to spaza shops.

Government Tackles Food Safety Crisis

Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Friday, outlining measures to combat the crisis. Since September, officials have reported over 890 cases of food-borne illnesses across the country. Contaminated food and sweets from spaza shops and street vendors have made hundreds of children sick.

Public Protector Steps In

Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has joined efforts to investigate the food-borne illness crisis. Her spokesperson, Khulu Phasiwe, explained that their office will hold public officials accountable for addressing the issue.

“We have contacted municipalities and departments to participate in investigations,” said Phasiwe. “We will monitor their actions, record findings, and issue a report. While we don’t conduct investigations directly, we ensure public representatives fulfill their responsibilities.”

Authorities Focus on High-Risk Provinces

Inspectors will prioritize Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, where incidents have spiked. These provinces remain the hardest hit by the food safety crisis.

President Launches Three-Part Plan

Ramaphosa revealed a three-step plan to resolve the issue:

Remove Hazardous Pesticides: Authorities will eliminate dangerous chemicals from circulation.
Protect Children: Officials will increase efforts to shield children from exposure to harmful substances.
Prevent Outbreaks: The government will enforce stricter food safety measures.

Spaza Shops Face Immediate Action

The President ordered the closure of spaza shops linked to children’s deaths. He stressed that all food-handling facilities, including spaza shops, must meet health standards by the registration deadline.

Ramaphosa instructed police to investigate and prosecute offenders. He confirmed that authorities will collaborate with registered manufacturers and suppliers to ensure compliance with regulations.

Hazardous Pesticides Identified

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases confirmed that the deaths of six children in Soweto last month resulted from exposure to Terbufos, a highly toxic pesticide. Investigators found traces of the chemical in chip packets confiscated during inspections.

Phasiwe highlighted reports of unhygienic practices, such as shop owners living inside spaza shops. The Public Protector’s office plans to escalate these findings to relevant departments for further action.

Government Enforces Safety Regulations

Ramaphosa reiterated the government’s position: all spaza shops must register and comply with health regulations within 21 days. Shops failing to meet these standards will face immediate closure.

The government remains determined to prevent more food-borne illnesses and protect vulnerable communities. By enforcing stricter regulations for spaza shops, officials aim to ensure food safety and prevent future tragedies.