President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to address the nation this week regarding the recent food poisoning crisis that has claimed the lives of more than 10 children in the past two months. The children became ill after consuming snacks from spaza shops, sparking public outrage and calls for urgent government intervention. Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, confirmed this during a Cabinet briefing on Wednesday, describing the foodborne illnesses and fatalities as a significant national concern. The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure has taken the lead in the government’s response to the crisis.
While the public outcry has led some to call for the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist with enforcement at spaza shops, Ntshavheni clarified that the military will not be involved. Instead, the government is focusing on strengthening local enforcement through the security cluster and relevant ministerial committees. Ntshavheni also revealed that the Department of Health is working with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases to trace the source of the contamination and prevent further incidents.
The president’s address will provide a comprehensive update on the government’s actions and the ongoing work of various departments to address the crisis. Ntshavheni emphasized that the president will speak after the completion of key interventions by provinces, including those in Limpopo and Gauteng, which are at the forefront of efforts to tackle unsafe food practices in informal markets.
