Joburg Speaker inspects shops in Diepkloof
Various shops were closed due to noncompliance and operating in unhygienic conditions.
The City of Johannesburg Speaker of Council, Clr Nobuhle Mthembu, led a targeted inspection of spaza shops and wholesalers in Diepkloof today, December 5.
The operation focused on enforcing health and safety standards as well as compliance with City of Johannesburg by-laws.
The inspection aimed to address growing concerns over unsanitary conditions and the sale of expired goods in local businesses, especially foreign-owned spaza shops.
ALSO READ: Diepkloof family lays son (5) to rest after dying of suspected food poisoning
“Our inspection at Diepkloof Square uncovered a lot of compliance issues,” Mthembu said, stating, “One shop had no proper documentation, including for the foreign nationals working there.
“We had to shut it down due to severe health violations, including rat infestations and the improper storage of goods near an open toilet.”
Among the businesses inspected, Unimart Wholesalers, a Chinese-owned enterprise in Diepkloof Square, was fined for multiple infractions, including keeping cats on the premises where food is stored and selling expired goods.
ALSO READ: Food Poisoning: Gauteng MEC offers condolences to family
Next door, Bakir General Trading, owned by Bangladeshi nationals, was found to be in an unsanitary state, with inspectors citing numerous violations.
“This is about safeguarding public health and ensuring that all businesses adhere to the rules,” she stated. “We will continue to enforce these regulations to protect our residents.”
The operation highlights the City of Johannesburg’s commitment to strict enforcement of health and safety regulations across all sectors, ensuring that businesses operate within legal and hygienic standards.
Mthembu also emphasised the importance of doing follow up to make sure that the closed businesses do not operate again without compliance.
