The North West province is facing a serious public health crisis as 85 cases of food poisoning and five deaths have been reported, primarily linked to spaza shops. This alarming situation, disclosed by MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, reflects a growing national concern over food safety in South Africa.
ALSO READ: City of Tshwane Urges Spaza Shop Owners to Register Before Deadline – Only 148 Approved So Far
Food Poisoning Outbreak: A Nationwide Concern
The food-borne illness crisis in North West is part of a broader issue affecting multiple provinces. By September 2024, South Africa had already documented 890 cases of food-borne illnesses, resulting in the tragic loss of 22 children. Affected provinces include Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Free State, and Mpumalanga, where similar cases linked to spaza shops have raised red flags.
Molapisi emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “The province has not been spared from the wrath of food-borne illnesses.” This underscores the urgent need for regulatory enforcement and public awareness regarding food safety.
Government’s Response: New Regulations and Compliance Measures
In response to rising health risks, President Cyril Ramaphosa mandated on 15 November 2024 that all tuckshops and food-handling businesses must register with their municipal authorities within 21 days. This directive was prompted by multiple child fatalities linked to unsafe food sold at spaza shops.
The initial registration deadline was set for December 17, 2024, ensuring that businesses comply with food safety regulations to prevent further tragedies.
New By-Laws for Spaza Shops
To address food safety concerns, a Standard Draft By-Law was gazetted on 4 November 2024 under Government Gazette No. 51529, Volume No. 713. This by-law, aligned with Section 41(1) of the Local Government Municipal Systems Act of 2000 (Act No. 32 of 2000), aims to regulate the registration and operation of spaza shops and food-handling outlets.
Molapisi highlighted that this regulatory framework enables municipalities to develop tailored by-laws promoting township economic development while ensuring food safety compliance.
Spaza Shop Registration and Compliance
Molapisi revealed that the province has processed 5,145 business license applications, successfully registering 4,368 businesses under the new framework. However, not all municipalities have adopted the new by-laws.
🚨 Compliance Status in North West:
✅ All municipalities except Ditsobotla have adopted the Standard Draft By-Law.
✅ The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is working with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism to monitor enforcement.
✅ Efforts are ongoing to support non-compliant municipalities in integrating the by-law.
Preventing Future Food Poisoning Cases
To curb further food-borne illnesses, Molapisi proposed a comprehensive prevention strategy for spaza shop owners and customers. This approach includes:
🔹 Food Safety Education & Training – Teaching spaza shop owners proper food handling, storage, and cooking techniques.
🔹 Regular Health Inspections – Local authorities will conduct frequent checks to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
🔹 Community Awareness Campaigns – Educating the public on food safety, hygiene practices, and how to report unsafe shops.
🔹 Essential Resources for Spaza Shops – Providing handwashing stations, refrigeration units, and proper food storage facilities.
🔹 Collaboration with NGOs – Working with non-governmental organizations to promote best practices, especially in low-income communities.
The Road Ahead: Balancing Business Growth with Public Safety
While the North West government is committed to supporting spaza shops, stricter regulations are necessary to ensure that food safety violations do not lead to more deaths.
Molapisi urged municipalities to implement the new regulations effectively, stating, “Municipalities must implement this comprehensive approach to safeguard public health and prevent future food-related incidents.”
As the poisoning crisis unfolds, the success of these interventions will determine whether South Africa can strike a balance between economic growth in township businesses and the well-being of its citizens.
