In a comprehensive effort to bolster township economies and ensure food safety, the North West provincial Department of Co-operative Governance has conducted extensive inspections across the region, unveiling alarming findings regarding tuck shops and spaza shops. Out of approximately 4,000 inspections carried out throughout the province, over 250 shops were identified as non-compliant with the recently implemented Standard Draft By-Laws that govern the operation of food outlets.
Head of the Department, Dr Ben Bole, confirmed the shutdown of 73 spaza shops deemed hazardous, following a surge in cases involving children who tragically lost their lives after consuming food purchased from these establishments. This initiative comes in the wake of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive mandating all tuck shop and food handling facility owners to register their businesses with their respective municipalities as a critical measure for ensuring public safety.
“We can confirm that we received about 8,000 applications for licenses, the majority of which were from foreign nationals, with approximately 6,000 of these applications being fully accounted for,” Dr Bole stated. He highlighted the urgent need for compliance as the department addresses health standards and works to create a safer environment for consumers, especially children.
The alarming statistics regarding the mortality of young children linked to food purchases from spaza shops have raised significant concerns, compelling provincial authorities to act decisively. “We had to shut them down with immediate effect,” Dr Bole insisted. This strong stance reflects not only a commitment to enhancing food safety but also aims to bolster local business operations in adherence to safety regulations.
The inspections, which reflect a broader initiative to regulate spaza shops in township areas, stress the importance of compliance with established standards. The government is making strides in transforming the township economy while prioritising the health and safety of its residents.