Since February, 38 children in South Africa have tragically died from food poisoning.
According to South African police, food poisoning incidents have been reported nationwide, particularly in Gauteng province, due to contaminated products sold at local “spaza” shops. The police confirmed that a total of 41 people, including 38 children, have lost their lives to food poisoning, and three individuals are currently under prosecution in connection with the cases.
Most of the poisonings have been linked to items such as chips and biscuits sold at spazas.
In response, Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, announced that the deadline for spazas to renew their operating licenses has been extended to February 28, 2025, as part of a broader effort to improve inspections.
The term “spaza” refers to small convenience stores in informal settlements, derived from the Sotho word “zula,” meaning “to hustle.” These stores, often operated by foreign nationals, have become central to the food poisoning issue since February.
In light of the ongoing crisis, the government declared a national state of disaster last month and has been ramping up regulations and inspections of spazas. The initial 21-day deadline for license renewals ended on December 17.