North spaza shops under fire for unsafe food, unfair pricing

Residents in Pretoria North have raised serious concerns over the quality of food sold at local spaza shops, with complaints ranging from unfair pricing to poor hygiene standards.

Their frustration comes after a visit by Ward Councillor Quentin Meyer, who confirmed that several spaza shops are operating without valid trading licences or health certificates.

During the inspection, Meyer and his team uncovered troubling practices, including the sale of exposed cold meats, questionable packaging, and, in some cases, expired goods.

These findings have left residents both angry and worried about their health and safety.

Beyond hygiene concerns, many residents said they are being charged extra at the till compared to the shelf price.

For households already battling the rising cost of living, this practice has added insult to injury.

Nathan Bombi said that this is unfair because sometimes they come to the till with the exact amount shown on the shelf, only to be told the price is higher.

“Most of us cannot afford to spend more than what is written on the price tag. It feels like we are being robbed in our community.

“I know people will say there are big retail stores around, but the reality is that the spaza shop is the closest one and is more accessible,” said Bombi.

Meyer stressed that the issue is not about shutting down spaza shops but about enforcing fair standards that protect residents.

“For me, I am here for my residents, and some of these residents cannot afford to pay extra money.

“It is not fair, the price you see should be the price you pay. We will keep doing regular visits to the local shops, but also to all other shops. All shops must follow the rules, not only the spaza shops.”

Meyer emphasised that health certificates and trading licences exist to protect communities from exploitation and prevent unsafe food from reaching households.

“The standards of our spaza shops must be brought up to the correct level. I will not allow our residents to be treated unfairly or for residents to be sold old or dirty food,” he added.

For residents, the matter goes beyond health and money. It touches on dignity and respect.

Resident Loraine Makhado said, “As people in this community, we want to be treated with dignity. We should not have to eat food that is dirty or unsafe just because it is cheap. Our lives matter, and our children’s health matters.

“If big supermarkets are required to have licences, certificates, and proper packaging, why are spaza shops allowed to get away with this? It feels like we are forgotten people.”

Meyer emphasised, “We are not saying that these shops must close. This is not a campaign to shut them down. It is a campaign to stand up for residents who are already struggling to put food on the table, yet are still being charged extra.”

Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said inspections were scheduled through the Integrated Enforcement By-law Centre and conducted weekly.

Mashigo said the metro did not announce these inspections and was influenced by the complaints received.

“The metro, through Municipal Health Services, is conducting a compulsory food handling training to educate and empower businesses about food safety.

“The TMPD will charge R500, in terms of Section 56 of the Business Act 71 of 1991, for trading without a business licence,” he said.

He said the municipality has revised the Land Use Application to assist in fast-tracking the applications for businesses to acquire permission, especially in the residential areas. They are also in the process of approving the Informal Trading and Township By-law to accommodate more informal businesses.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.