A recent joint operation at spaza shops in Khayelitsha uncovered a series of alarming violations, including the sale of expired baby formula, poor hygiene practices, and unsafe food storage. These discoveries were part of an ongoing effort by authorities to ensure compliance with food safety regulations ahead of a key deadline. Spaza shops, which are an integral part of the local economy, must be registered by February 28, 2025, and obtain a Certificate of Acceptability from the City of Cape Town’s Environmental Health Department. This certificate ensures that businesses are meeting required hygiene and safety standards.
The operation, conducted by a team that included police, law enforcement, City health and safety officials, and Home Affairs officers, was part of a broader initiative to improve food safety across the region. Inspectors targeted several spaza shops in Monwabisi Park, a settlement also known as Ndlovini, and identified multiple violations. Among the shocking findings were expired food items, including baby formula that had been past its best-before date for more than 18 months. Some shops were storing food directly on the floor, while others had unhygienic conditions, with chemicals stored on shelves alongside food products. In one case, a cat was found inside a shop, further highlighting the unsanitary environment.
Additionally, it was revealed that many of the spaza shop owners lacked the necessary documentation and were found to be in violation of immigration laws. Ninety percent of the owners were non-South African citizens, and two individuals, one from Somalia and the other from Malawi, were arrested for not having the correct papers. The illegal immigrant from Malawi was informed that he would be deported. The operation also led to the issuance of fines, with R7,000 in penalties handed out to the four shops found to be selling expired baby food.
This operation follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for spaza shops across South Africa to be registered by December 6, 2024, following a tragedy in the North West province, where six children died due to contaminated food sold at informal traders. In Cape Town alone, more than 6,000 spaza shops have successfully registered, though the closure of nine shops highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety. The city has also issued over 200 food safety fines in response to rising concerns from residents.
The operation was closely watched by local politicians, including Proportional Representative Councillor Bongi Kayi of the Patriotic Alliance, who condemned the unsanitary practices and called for greater accountability. Kayi urged communities to stop purchasing food from foreign nationals operating in unsanitary conditions, emphasizing the need for compliance with health and safety regulations.
As the deadline for spaza shop registration approaches, the City of Cape Town is committed to enforcing stricter standards to protect the public from unsafe food. Authorities plan to continue their inspections and urge consumers to be vigilant when purchasing food from informal vendors.
