MMC vows crackdown on non-compliant spaza shops
City of Ekurhuleni pledges action to protect public health amid poisoning incidents.
Ekurhuleni’s MMC for Development Planning and Real Estate Nomadlozi Nkosi has issued a stern warning to all spaza shops, tuck shops, and food vendors, urging compliance with the city’s health and business regulations to prevent further incidents of food poisoning.
Nkosi emphasised that non-compliant businesses face immediate shutdown if they fail to meet the city’s standards.
“We are prepared to shut down all non-compliant spaza shops in Ekurhuleni,” said Nkosi.
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“Before taking action, we call on these business operators to come forward with their approved building plans, business permits, certificates of acceptability, and zoning certificates to ensure they operate lawfully.”
She also underscored they would not tolerate undocumented foreign nationals operating these businesses.
This announcement follows cases of food poisoning among schoolchildren in Ekurhuleni’s southern and eastern regions, which led the Gauteng Provincial Government to suspend the sale of refreshments near schools.
In response, Nkosi will spearhead an awareness campaign from next week to educate business owners andcommunities on legal business operations.
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Beginning in the southern region, the city will conduct public meetings across the city to allow engagement between the community, business owners, and relevant departments.
Nkosi reiterated the city’s stance against illegal trading and selling expired or counterfeit goods.
The campaign, involving SAPS, EMPD, and other departments, will extend to wholesalers across Ekurhuleni to ensure compliance and protect public health.
