The deaths of five schoolchildren in Naledi, Soweto, have deeply shaken the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety. The children allegedly consumed poisoned food purchased from a local spaza shop. This tragic incident has sparked widespread concern about regulating spaza shops, especially in townships where monitoring is often lax.
“The continued sale of expired and fake goods poses a serious threat to the health and safety of our communities, especially vulnerable children,” the Committee said in a statement.
They emphasised the need for stricter enforcement of bylaws to protect citizens from harmful products. Many spaza shops, including those run by illegal foreign nationals, operate without proper oversight, leading to devastating consequences.
Call for stricter enforcement and regular inspections of spaza shops
In response to the tragedy, the Committee has called on Metro Police and Law Enforcement Agencies to take immediate action. They urged these bodies to rigorously enforce bylaws and ensure that all spaza shops comply with the regulations, particularly regarding the sale of consumable goods.
“The irresponsible behaviour of some shop owners, who prioritise profits over the wellbeing of the community, is intolerable,” the Committee stated.
The Committee also stressed the importance of regular inspections by health officials to ensure that food products sold in spaza shops are safe for consumption. They warned that the lack of consistent monitoring undermines public health and leaves communities vulnerable to further tragedies.
“Immediate actions must be taken against those found violating these laws,” they added.
Government and community responses
EWN reported that Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni addressed the issue at a post-cabinet briefing, highlighting the government’s challenges in regulating spaza shops. Ntshavheni revealed that court rulings blocked attempts to register foreign-owned spaza shops.
“It was South Africans who took us to court, saying you cannot force the registration,” she explained.
Should stricter regulations and inspections be prioritised, or are there other solutions that can ensure our children’s and communities’ safety?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
