November 16, 2024 – President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced urgent measures to address a national crisis following the tragic deaths of 22 children due to food poisoning linked to spaza shops. The decisive actions aim to protect communities and prevent future tragedies.
The announcement comes after investigations revealed that some spaza shops were selling contaminated food, with restricted pesticides implicated in the incidents. These measures represent the government’s firm commitment to safeguarding public health and holding businesses accountable.
Key Measures Announced
Immediate Closure of Implicated Spaza Shops
Any spaza shop linked to the food poisoning deaths will be closed immediately.Mandatory Registration Deadline
All spaza shops that handle food must register with their local municipalities within the next 21 days. Shops failing to meet this requirement will face permanent closure.Health and Safety Compliance
Stricter enforcement of health and safety standards will be implemented across all food-handling spaza shops, with closures for those failing to comply.Door-to-Door Inspections
A nationwide inspection campaign will be launched, starting in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
Addressing the Broader Issue
President Ramaphosa emphasized that while the recent deaths highlight unsafe practices in some spaza shops, the problem extends beyond these establishments. The President called for a comprehensive response to address widespread issues of food safety and pesticide misuse in South African communities.
"These incidents are a wake-up call. Every child’s life is precious, and we cannot allow this negligence to persist," said President Ramaphosa during his address.
Community Safety First
The government is urging communities to report any unsafe practices or suspicious food handling at local shops. Municipalities will provide support to shop owners to ensure compliance and offer resources for registration.
These measures reflect a national effort to prevent further tragedies and restore trust in food safety standards.
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