Supporting local businesses should empower communities, but what happens when that support puts lives at risk? South Africans have been shocked, angered, and disgusted following a spate of harrowing food safety incidents. Concerned citizens told Health For Mzansi journalist Vateka Halile enough is enough and the government should step up before more lives are lost.
A recent inspection in Mfuleni, Cape Town, has exposed a horrifying reality: an unregulated “butchery” operating in filthy conditions, allegedly using dog food in the production of sausage.
Yolanda Magazi from Mfuleni says the issue of human rights violations regarding health raises many questions about the South African government.
“There is huge neglect around food safety and how illegal food manufacturers are handled.”
Yolanda Magazi
Magazi adds that innocent lives are at risk because this should have been addressed a long time ago. “Many spaza shops should be closed. Back in the day, when local people ran spaza shops, they were much more legit. A lot has changed.”
Residents were shocked by an unregulated “butchery” using dog food in their sausage. The City of Cape Town and Crime Intelligence busted the illegal operation in Mfuleni, Cape Town. Photos: JP Smith/Facebook
This follows hot on the heels of the deaths of six children due to food poisoning after they ate contaminated snacks bought at a spaza shop, 50 learners who ended up in hospital after consuming food allegedly bought from food vendors and other incidents.
The government has since inspected and shut down spaza shops in townships, and banned food vendors at schools in certain provinces.
However, says citizens, it is too little too late. And where to from here?
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Convenience or compromise?
Luyolo Lengisi-Hawule, a human rights activist and co-founder of Langa for Men based in KwaLanga, Cape Town, says that buying from local spaza shops offers undeniable convenience, saving both time and money on deliveries and transport.
“When you live in fast times like these, buying essentials like toilet paper, a toothbrush, salt, sugar, or even a loaf of bread becomes a challenge. With limited options, your only choice is often the shop right next door.”
He adds, “The tricky thing is, it’s suspected that they are setting their own expiry dates. It seems like even the whistleblowers won’t win this battle. Who would risk their lives when there’s a gang demanding protection fees, ready to expose anyone who speaks out against their bosses?”
He says there is no way the government isn’t aware of these allegations, but it leaves him with questions about why there has been no intervention so far.
As the leader of a GBVF and health organisation, Lengisi explains that they follow a strict protocol to report any events in KwaLwanga, helping to maintain order in the community.
“Then why isn’t the same approach applied to these shops? Why is there no structure or monitoring of how they operate and supply goods?”
Luyolo Lengisi-Hawule
Innocent lives at risk
Hazel Nyaba from Mfuleni says there is concern about why there has been no government intervention regarding the ongoing allegations, including that foreign nationals are suspected to be the kingpins behind the fake goods.
Nyaba also says local farmers aren’t getting enough support.
“If the government was truly concerned, local farmers would be getting the support needed to fight against food products whose origins we don’t know.”
Hazel Nyaba
A collective approach
Ovayo Peter, a social activist from Mfuleni, says there can be a solution to this issue by choosing reliable spaza shops with good hygiene, regularly checking expiration dates, and reporting concerns to local authorities.
“However, we can’t do it alone. Government initiatives and community involvement are very important.”
Peter further explains that regular inspections, training for spaza shop owners, and access to safe infrastructure can make a significant difference.
“We must support initiatives promoting safe food practices and educate others about food safety risks and prevention.”
She adds that these initiatives need community unity because families deserve nothing less.
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A registered dietitian based in West Rand, Gauteng, Trinity Sibanyoni, says that the key to safety is reading food labels and ensuring we buy foods that haven’t expired.
Sibanyoni explains that when buying food items from supermarkets or any shops, it’s crucial to check that the ingredients haven’t passed their due date before taking them home to make homemade snacks.
“Most of us usually don’t check for things like this.”
Trinity Sibanyoni
Government calls for community action
When it comes to food, all products must be regulated and inspected, and suppliers should be licenced.
According to the national spokesperson of the department of health, Foster Mohale, the scope of health inspectors or environmental health practitioners includes all premises involved in food manufacturing, packaging, and selling, both public and private, including butcheries.
“We call upon members of the community to report all suspected activities, non-compliance with proper food handling, and poor hygiene standards to the nearest municipality, health department, or law enforcement authorities.”
Mohale says through collaboration and partnerships with all sectors of society, citizens can curb this dangerous and unethical behaviour.
“All establishments found to have violated the regulations are issued with prohibition notices to shut down, and owners who knowingly sell expired foodstuffs can be fined or arrested for putting the lives of consumers at risk.”
Foster Mohale
He adds, “We have intensified multi-sectoral inspections, both announced and unannounced, and public health education and awareness to empower the public with the dos and don’ts with regard to food safety tips.
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