Tshwane activates disaster operations centre to address foodborne illness crisis at spaza shops
The crisis has claimed the lives of at least 22 children to date.
Tshwane metro has activated its Disaster Operations Centre in response to an increase in foodborne illnesses linked to unsafe food-handling practices and contamination at spaza shops and informal food outlets.
According to mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya, this activation is as part of a national call to action to protect public health and prevent further tragedies.
“Over the past months, the foodborne illness crisis has had devastating consequences across South Africa, with Gauteng being one of the hardest-hit provinces.”
The crisis has claimed the lives of at least 22 children to date.
Moya said the Disaster Operations Centre has been activated at Level 2, enabling a multi-sectoral response to manage and mitigate this crisis effectively.
“The centre will co-ordinate resources and expertise from key departments, including health, environment and agriculture management, emergency service, economic development and spatial planning, Tshwane metro police and the communication, marketing and events.”
The metro will roll out training programmes on food safety, digital literacy and regulatory adherence to empower informal traders with the tools they need to operate safely and sustainably.
“We recognise the critical role that spaza shops play in Tshwane’s economy and communities.”
She said she assures residents that the safety and well-being of communities remain the highest priority.
To ensure this, the Disaster Operations Centre will focus on the following three areas of intervention:
– Immediate: the centre will ensure swift action to inspect spaza shops, confiscate hazardous substances and enforce compliance with municipal health and safety regulations.
– Ongoing monitoring and daily situational reports will provide updates on the number of inspections conducted, cases addressed and actions taken. This will ensure transparency and allow us to track progress effectively.
– Long-term solutions beyond enforcement: The metro will implement measures to strengthen food safety practices in the informal economy. An online registration portal for spaza shops and informal traders will be launched to streamline compliance processes.
She said the city is unapologetic and will not compromise efforts to ensure that all spaza shops comply with the city’s bylaws.
“Public health and safety, and the protection of our children, will remain our primary concern during this crisis.”
City of Tshwane activates disaster operations centre to address foodborne illness crisis at spaza shops. pic.twitter.com/dQ330nJpQY
— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) November 25, 2024
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