Tshwane tighten spaza shop regulations, AfriForum opposed to food sale suspension at schools

The Tshwane Health and Gauteng education departments have recently implemented stricter food regulations’, however the “heavy-handed approach to food safety” by more especially the educational management has been criticised by civil organisation AfriForum.

Tshwane Health this week vowed to increase inspections of food retailers and improve supply chain security following an increase of counterfeit food goods in the metro.

The MMC for Health said the department will increase inspections of food retailers, and collaborate with local law enforcement to disrupt and dismantle criminal operations involved in the counterfeit food trade.

Tshegofatso Mashabela MMC for Health said Tshwane is gravely concerned regarding the crisis of counterfeit food goods which pose a public health threat.

She said Tshwane was facing a growing crisis that threatened the health and well-being of its residents.

The Gauteng government also revealed its plans to re-register spaza shops to ensure compliance as the food poisoning crisis has so far claimed the lives of about 23 children.

Mashabela said counterfeit food products have infiltrated local markets, putting consumers at risk of ingesting harmful substances.

“In communities like Soshanguve, Mamelodi, Olievenhoutbosch, Bronkhorstspruit, Hammanskraal and Atteridgeville, where food insecurity is already a major concern, residents are unwittingly purchasing dangerous goods from convenience shops.”

She said these shops, which are often the only accessible source of affordable food, are increasingly stocking counterfeit products pushed by criminal syndicates.

“The convenience shop industry has become a vulnerable target for exploitation. Without adequate regulation and oversight, these businesses are open to manipulation by criminal groups seeking to profit from the sale of unsafe food products,” Mashabela said.

She added that this has created a dangerous environment for consumers, who may unknowingly be purchasing and consuming harmful goods.

“The health and safety of the people of Tshwane are at risk. It is imperative that immediate action is taken to address this crisis,” she said.

Mashabela said increased inspections of food retailers, improved supply chain security and educating consumers on how to identify and avoid counterfeit products are paramount.

She said residents must follow these safety tips:

– Only buy food from licensed, regulated shops.

– Check products for proper labelling and expiration dates.

– Be wary of extremely low prices, as they may indicate a counterfeit product.

– Report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.

Mashabela said the metro will not tolerate any action that puts the health and safety of Tshwane residents at risk.

“We will work diligently to enforce all relevant laws and regulations, ensuring that those who seek to profit from the sale of dangerous goods are held accountable,” Mashabela said.

“Our priority is the protection of our community.

The suffering of others has no place in our city. We will increase inspections of food retailers, improve supply chain security measures and collaborate with local law enforcement to disrupt and dismantle criminal operations involved in the counterfeit food trade. Together, we will build a Tshwane where everyone can thrive.”

Tshwane food inspections are on the back of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) gazetting new by-laws on Thursday to regulate spaza shop operations and other township traders.

Minister of COGTA Velenkosini Hlabisa has gazetted the new Standard Draft By-Law for Township Economies to drive inclusive growth.

The draft by-law equips small businesses with streamlined permits, designated zones and business support, transforming townships into economic hubs.

Premier Panyaza Lesufi said at a media briefing that the proposed regulations seek to set out the establishment and operation of these spaza shops, emphasising compliance with essential safety and hygiene standards.

“These also have a new focus on establishing clear guidelines and penalties for non-compliance, the regulations aim to enhance public health and safety while ensuring a fair and transparent business environment for both spaza owners and customers alike.”

Lesufi said police would conduct random raids to ensure compliance, while municipalities would be tasked with adopting and enforcing the new regulations.

He said the government was focusing on protecting children from dangerous, unsafe food practices.

“We have 441 cases that have been reported across the province. Some of the people either were discharged, or just showed the symptoms of vomiting, stomach aches, and related issues.”

Lesufi said the provincial government would soon require all spaza shops to re-register and this will be spearheaded by Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile.

Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has instructed all schools to suspend the sale of food within and around school premises until further notice.

According to GDE, this decision is informed by the recent and alarming increase in incidents of food-borne illnesses affecting learners across various schools in the province.

GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department was deeply concerned by how these incidents have led to both loss of life and illness among learners.

“In response, we are implementing immediate measures to safeguard the health and well-being of our learners.”

Mabona said schools and SGBs are instructed to closely monitor and regulate vendors, tuckshops, and other outlets that sell food to learners.

AfriForum has however asked for the lifting of the ban on food sales by approved vendors at schools.

The civil rights organisation said it was seriously concerned about the recent spate of food poisoning cases that have affected learners and expressed its sincere condolences to all who have lost family members as a result or have become ill themselves.

At the same time, the organisation is also concerned about directives by provincial education departments that prohibit the sale of food on school premises.

Alana Bailey, AfriForum head of cultural affairs, said they agree that steps to prevent more cases and deaths are essential but believes that this ban is far too drastic, as it will affect learners negatively, or even expose them to greater danger.

“For some children, authorised tuckshops on school premises are the only option for getting a lunch. These vendors also cater to school functions.”

She said in addition, some even provide food to privately funded schemes that support indigent children.

“Furthermore, sales provide an opportunity to get additional funding for schools. By banning the sale of food by approved vendors who meet the necessary registration and health requirements, learners are now forced to buy food or snacks from unapproved vendors outside school premises. This exposes them to greater risks, instead of protecting them,” she said.

AfriForum has written to GDE to ask that it permit authorised sellers who can prove that they meet all requirements and comply with health regulations to resume the sale of food at schools.

ALSO READ: Food poisoning scare rocks Bronkhorstspruit school

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