President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the spaza retailers implicated within the loss of life of youngsters can be shut down.

Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Friday, 15 November, about measures authorities will implement to deal with the spate of alleged meals poisoning incidents which have additionally claimed the lives of youngsters.

GOVERNMENT TO SHUT DOWN SPAZA SHOPS IMPLICATED IN CHILD DEATHS

Over 890 reported instances of food-borne diseases have been reported throughout the nation. Most instances have been reported in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Free State, and Mpumalanga.

As a end result, a minimum of 22 youngsters have died as a consequence of alleged meals poisoning.

In October, there was a serious food-borne sickness in Naledi, Soweto, which claimed the lives of six youngsters. Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi confirmed that an organophosphate referred to as terbufos triggered the loss of life of the six youngsters who have been rushed to hospital in essential situation after allegedly consuming various snacks from local spaza shops. 

During his tackle, Ramaphosa outlined three essential interventions to be carried out instantly.

“Following the particular assembly of Cabinet, now we have determined to make the next interventions: The first intervention is to get hazardous pesticides off the road, the second essential intervention is to guard youngsters from publicity to those substances, the third essential intervention is to forestall future outbreaks. The following measures can be carried out with rapid impact.

“The spaza shops which have been implicated in the deaths of children will be closed with immediate effect. Non-compliant businesses and shops linked to any poisoning incidents or found to stock hazardous chemicals unlawfully will be shut down,” Ramaphosa stated. 

Ramaphosa stated all spaza retailers and food-handling amenities should register with their respective municipalities inside 21 days to make sure compliance. 

“Any shop that is not registered within 21 days and does not meet all health standards and requirements will be closed,” Ramaphosa stated. 

DO YOU SUPPORT GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO SHUT DOWN THE SPAZA SHOPS?

Let us know by clicking on the remark tab beneath this text or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You may also comply with @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the newest information.