EMALAHLENI – The eMalahleni municipality, led by mayor Vusi Nhlapho, alongside Mpumalanga health MEC Sasekani Manzini, have launched a compliance audit targeting tuckshops in eMalahleni downtown.
The initiative which took place on Friday, November 15, 2024, comes in the wake of alarming reports of food-borne illnesses and deaths across the country.
During the inspection, expired goods, including cold drinks and eggs, were confiscated at Good-day Cash & Carry near Khayalethu Student Residence. Officials emphasized the importance of adhering to food safety standards to protect consumers from potentially life-threatening risks.
The crackdown preceded President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation later in the evening.
The President expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of at least 22 children due to food-borne illnesses, including a tragic incident in Soweto last month that claimed six young lives.
The President stressed the collective responsibility of society to ensure safety of “our children”.
Since September 2024, over 890 cases of food-borne illnesses have been reported, with Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal being the most affected provinces. Limpopo, Free State and Mpumalanga have also recorded significant cases.
Ramaphosa announced a series of urgent interventions, including immediate closure of non-compliant spaza shops and registration requirements for all food-handling facilities.
He also called for coordinated inspections involving multidisciplinary teams to root out hazardous practices.
He also outlined plans to strengthen public education on food safety, regulate the sale of hazardous chemicals, and enhance local government capacity to conduct inspections.
Consumers were urged to buy food only from licensed establishments and to report expired or fake food products to authorities.
He assured the nation that investigations revealed no deliberate campaign to harm children and emphasized that both South African and foreign-owned businesses must comply with health standards.
In conclusion, the President called for unity and vigilance to prevent further tragedies, reminding citizens of their role in safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society.
“By working together, by enforcing the law, by being alert and responsible, we will be able to bring an end to these tragedies,” he said.
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