Gauteng Finance MEC, Lebogang Maile, has called for drastic measures to address the growing public health crisis caused by unsafe food sold in spaza shops across South Africa’s townships. This call comes in the wake of the tragic death of 11-year-old Lesedi Mulaudi, who died after consuming poisonous snacks from a local spaza shop in Alexandra, Johannesburg. Her mother and younger sister, who also ingested the contaminated snacks, are currently recovering in hospital. The incident has sparked outrage among residents, many of whom are now demanding the closure of these illegal and unregulated shops.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Maile emphasized the urgency of the situation, describing it as a “crisis” that requires immediate attention. He acknowledged that many spaza shops operate without licenses, often selling unsafe products that pose serious health risks to the community. “Whether you call it a state of emergency or disaster, there has to be drastic action because this situation has gone out of control,” he said, underlining the need for the government to take stronger measures to regulate township businesses and ensure compliance with food safety laws.
Maile’s proposal to close all spaza shops and start afresh has raised eyebrows, but he believes it is the only way to address the deep-rooted issues. He suggested that all spaza shop owners would need to reapply for licenses, with strict verification processes to ensure they comply with health and safety standards. By re-evaluating the entire supply chain—from the production of goods to their sale in shops—Maile aims to eliminate unsafe food products before they reach goods to their sale in shops—Maile aims to eliminate unsafe food products before they reach consumers. His plan would also involve consulting with communities to ensure their voices are heard in the reform process.
While Maile’s proposal has sparked debate, it highlights the larger issue of the informal economy in South Africa, where spaza shops play a crucial role in providing affordable goods to township residents. However, without proper regulation, these businesses can become a serious health hazard. As government officials visit affected families and offer condolences, Maile is calling for urgent action to protect public health and ensure that spaza shops operate in a way that benefits both the community and the economy.
