The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) is saddened by the deaths of the five children in Naledi who allegedly consumed poisoned snacks from a spaza shop. On behalf of the ACDP, I wish to convey our sincere heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.
We note the remarks made by the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, at a media briefing yesterday, in reaction to the tragic deaths of the deceased children.
She stated that: “As South Africans, we must take a decision. We are the ones who buy at these spaza shops. We must take a decision as a society that we are not buying at the spaza shops where we are not sure where they are buying their products from. We are not buying at the spaza shops where the spaza shops are not registered in their municipalities.”
The Minister further said that: “As South Africans, as we go to the spaza shops, we must demand that we want to see your registration certificate.”
The ACDP categorically disagrees with the minister’s sentiments. It is unreasonable for Minister Ntshavheni to expect consumers, including children who purchase from these spaza shops, to perform duties for which the government should be responsible. Moreover, it is not the duty of citizens to verify that the food they purchase or consume is prepared in a facility that adheres to health and safety standards. This responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of the departments of health, environment, trade, industry, and competition, and small business development.
Additionally, the ACDP considers it highly irresponsible for the Minister to propose that the public should check the business licenses of spaza shops, as this could lead to potential tension, confrontations, and possibly even violence.
The ACDP urges the government, especially the responsible ministers and their departments, to fulfil their duties. They must ensure that all consumable products available to the public are produced in acceptable conditions that comply with health, environmental and safety standards. We implore health and environmental inspectors to conduct regular checks on spaza shops and manufacturing facilities, particularly those run by foreign nationals, to ensure compliance, and to confirm that business licenses are legitimate, valid, and clearly displayed in view of the public.
Furthermore, the ACDP calls upon municipalities to revoke the business licenses of spaza shops and food manufacturers that do not meet basic health, environmental, and safety standards, and fail to display their business licenses.
