Ramaphosa Announces That Over 1,000 Spaza Shops Have Been Shut Down
President Cyril Ramaphosa informed the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday that authorities have intensified a nationwide crackdown on spaza shops following the tragic deaths of several children who consumed contaminated food purchased from these outlets.
In his annual address to the NCOP, Ramaphosa revealed that more than 1,000 spaza shops, supermarkets, and warehouses have been shut down since his call for tighter regulation of the sector two weeks ago.
“Nearly 200,000 spaza shops have been visited. More than 1,000 spaza shops, supermarkets, and warehouses have had to be closed down,” he said.
The president emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring food safety, noting that large quantities of unsafe goods have been seized.
“Large quantities of goods have been confiscated and numerous fines have been levied and issued for violations of bylaws,” Ramaphosa added.
This coordinated effort reflects the government’s determination to address food safety concerns and protect public health in the wake of recent tragedies.