23 dead in Gauteng after food poisoning linked to spaza shops

Twenty-three people in Gauteng have died from foodborne poisoning after consuming food from spaza shops. Most of the victims were children aged between six and nine.

This is according to Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who on Sunday updated residents on new by-laws to govern spaza shops.

“The first uniform approach across the province was to adopt a mechanism of reporting because we have so many deaths… we want to isolate those that are foodborne and those needing immediate attention,” said Lesufi.

The Department of Health has been tasked with investigating the cases, and according to their preliminary report, 23 deaths have been registered thus far. “Today [Sunday], we can confirm that we are at 23 [deaths], which is a sad thing,” Lesufi said.

He noted that many of the incidents occurred in schools, with others within the community.

Additionally, at least 441 cases of food poisoning have been reported throughout Gauteng. “Some of the people were either discharged, or they just showed symptoms of vomiting, stomach aches and related,” Lesufi said.

The premier announced that the provincial government will ‘develop a template’ to be used by medical facilities, schools, and community centres to track areas needing urgent intervention.

“The Department of Health…will then develop a common template… and law enforcement agencies will ensure that we have accurate figures. This is crucial for understanding the problem and identifying areas needing intervention,” Lesufi added.

Crackdown

Lesufi also revealed that the provincial government has decided to ban an agricultural pesticide linked to some of the deaths.

“The MEC for Agriculture, [Vuyiswa Ramokgopa], will formulate the approach to manage this substance. We have agreed…that this substance is banned in our province and must not be found in shops or among informal traders. Law enforcement agencies will help eliminate it where possible,” he said.

Lesufi explained that by-laws across municipalities vary on managing businesses, including spaza shops, so a new uniform approach will be implemented.

“We have formally adopted a draft gazette signed by the Minister of CoGTA [Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa]. All municipalities in our province, without exception, will adopt this gazette. These national by-laws explain how to register a business, how businesses should operate, and related matters, making it easier for law enforcement agencies to monitor.”

Lesufi added that all businesses, especially those impacting children, would need to re-register.

Speaking at the District Development Model Presidential Imbizo on Friday, President Cyril Ramaphosa assured the public that the issue is being addressed at the highest government level.

In his address, Ramaphosa emphasised the government’s serious approach to the matter. The Department of Basic Education said it is working with the Department of Health to develop safety guidelines for schools to mitigate the risks of organophosphate pesticide exposure in school environments. – SAnews.gov.za