Cape Town: President Cyril Ramaphosa has revealed that more than 1,000 spaza shops, supermarkets, and warehouses have been shut down following his recent initiatives aimed at curbing foodborne illnesses. This development comes two weeks after the President announced a series of measures to address the alarming rise in foodborne health issues.

According to South African Government News Agency, during his annual address to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament, President Ramaphosa stated that nearly 200,000 spaza shops have been inspected by multi-disciplinary teams. These inspections have led to the closure of over 1,000 establishments, with large quantities of goods confiscated and numerous fines imposed due to by-law violations.

President Ramaphosa highlighted the vital economic role played by spaza shops and informal traders, especially in townships and rural areas. These businesses are integral to the local food supply chain, offering food, convenience, and value to millions of South Afr
icans. However, the President noted that the recent surge in foodborne illnesses has exposed several risks linked to these enterprises.

The President addressed the tragic incidents involving the deaths of children who consumed contaminated food from some of these outlets. He emphasized the urgency of preventing food contamination by harmful substances, particularly unlawful pesticides, which have been identified as a significant risk.

Two weeks prior, President Ramaphosa had addressed the nation, detailing a series of measures to tackle the recurring foodborne illnesses responsible for over 22 deaths, including those of children. These measures aimed to remove hazardous pesticides from circulation, protect children from exposure, and prevent future outbreaks.

In his address, President Ramaphosa announced the immediate closure of spaza shops implicated in the fatalities and the introduction of stricter regulations to safeguard communities. Furthermore, he mandated that all spaza shops and food-handling faci
lities must register with their respective municipalities within 21 days to ensure compliance with safety standards.