Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized that there is no proof indicating an effort to harm children by illegal spaza shops run by illegal foreigners.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued orders following a string of child fatalities associated with food poisoning from convenience spaza shops throughout South Africa.
Spaza Shops that have been linked to the deaths of children from food poisoning will be shut down without delay in order to avoid any such tragedies from occurring further down the line.
All small convenience spaza shops and similar food establishments are required to complete registration with the Municipalities in their area within 21 days from the announcement date. Failure to register or comply with health and safety regulations within this timeframe may result in closure of the store.
The authorities are putting in place rules to safeguard food quality and to ensure safety standards are met. They will conduct checks overseen by teams with diverse expertise including health professionals and law enforcement.
These inspections will kick off in Gauteng and Kwa Zulu Natal with a focus on adherance to health regulations.
Authorities are paying attention to eliminating pesticides from urban areas with a particular emphasis placed upon Terbufos due to its association with certain child fatalities.
Initiatives are being carried out to scrutinize and manage the distribution network of these substances in order to deter any misuse.
Public awareness campaigns will be conducted in addition to enforcement efforts to educate communities and small shop owners about food safety practices and the risks associated with substances in their products.