The Democratic Alliance (DA) through its Spokesperson for Education, MPL Sergio dos Santos has urged the Gauteng Department of Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuko, to initiate regular inspections of all spaza shops across the province to monitor compliance with health and safety regulations.

The issue has once again been highlighted following a recent incident where a grade 1 pupil died after allegedly eating biscuits bought from a spaza shop in the Ekurhuleni area.

In the Vaal Triangle, 15-year-old Relebohile Philane a grade 8 pupil at Mahareng Secondary School and Maloase Nthinya (17) Grade 11 pupil at Jet Nteo High School lost their lives in October 2023 after allegedly consuming snacks bought from local spaza shops in Tshepiso, Sharpeville.

The DA now requests that Mazibuko work with municipalities in conducting these inspections, adding that action be taken against non-compliant spaza shops and supermarkets.

“The Democratic Alliance (DA) urges MEC Mazibuko to work together with municipalities to conduct a thorough inspection of all spaza shops in the province to examine whether health and safety regulations are being followed, whether spaza shops are legally operating, and if some of the items they sell have expired.

“We also urge the law enforcement agencies to crack down hard on those who deliberately violate food safety regulations to the detriment of our children.” The DA strongly advises parents and communities to protect their children by reporting suspicious products or practices by spaza shops to the authorities.

“Only a concerted effort will help us win the fight against illegal spaza shops selling unregulated food.”