Officials launch Spaza Shop By-law Enforcement Campaign
Amid concerns over food safety and compliance, acting executive mayor Eunice Mgcina and Ward 94 councillor David Foley kick off the Spaza Shop By-law Enforcement Campaign with visits to local spaza shops.
FR47ANSpazaShopsNews
Headline: City officials launch the Spaza Shop By-law Enforcement Campaign
Teaser: Amid concerns over food safety and compliance, acting executive mayor Eunice Mgcina and Ward 94 councillor David Foley kick off the Spaza Shop By-law Enforcement Campaign with visits to local spaza shops.
Ayanda Ntshingila
ayanda@caxton.co.za
The National Disaster Management Centre of South Africa has officially categorised the alarming rise in foodborne illnesses as a national disaster, as announced by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Thembi Simelane in a media briefing on November 21.
The declaration follows 22 fatalities, including children, due to foodborne diseases tied to various factors across the country this year alone. Since September, nearly 890 cases of foodborne illness have been reported, raising significant public health concerns.
In response to this crisis, the acting executive mayor of Johannesburg, councillor Eunice Mgcina, has launched the Spaza Shop By-law Enforcement Campaign within the city and recently led a tour in Diepsloot.
This initiative aims to inspect spaza shops, and informal convenience stores, widely used in communities, for compliance with health and safety regulations and business licensing requirements.
The campaign targets the sale of expired and potentially unsafe products, addressing urgent health concerns as these shops play a crucial role in the local economy.
Mgcina emphasised the importance of safeguarding public health in light of recent food contamination reports. “We aim to ensure that every spaza shop operates within the law and provides safe, quality products to our communities.
“The City of Johannesburg reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that spaza shops, a backbone of local commerce, operate responsibly. Together, we can make Johannesburg a safer and healthier city for everyone.”
Adding to the enforcement efforts, Ward 93 councillor David Foley conducted a tour throughout his ward, specifically targeting food vendors around local schools.
Foley’s initiative aimed to verify that these vendors are registered, possess the necessary permits, and adhere to local regulations. He underscored the need for strict adherence to all laws, particularly the provincial road by-laws, which emphasise that no sellers should operate on provincial roads.
The inspections focus on expired food items, cleanliness standards, and the verification of necessary licenses.
Residents, who rely heavily on spaza shops, welcomed the initiative. Local shopper Sizeka Maphekula expressed her relief, saying, “It’s reassuring to see that the city cares about our health. We need to trust the food we buy for our families.”
Additionally, in line with recent government directives, spaza shop registration hubs have been established across Johannesburg’s seven regions. This initiative calls for operators to register their businesses with local authorities within 21 days, from November 22 to avoid closure.
Foley is also advising local street vendors from Region A to register their businesses at one of several designated locations: Diepsloot Youth Center, Ivory Park Hall, Neighborhood Centre (Extension 7), Rabie Ridge Hall, or Lord Khanyile Community Hall.
He stressed the importance of following the proper and safe procedures for street trading to avoid legal trouble. “We want our vendors to thrive, but they must do so safely and legally.”
