insert_link South Africa South Africa Appoints 15 Experts to Address Foodborne Illnesses South Africa's ministerial advisory committee on foodborne illnesses has appointed 15 experts to develop long-term strategies to prevent outbreaks and improve food safety. Briefing the media, Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi says the committee’s work will focus on addressing gaps in the regulatory system and ensuring public health safety: todayDecember 19, 2024 7
insert_link South Africa S.A Deputy President Urges Citizens to Own Spaza Shops South Africa's Deputy president Paul Mashatile says while the government wants to see South Africans owning most spaza shops, he cautioned against the registration of these businesses for illegal immigrants. Government has directed that all spaza shops and food handling facilities be registered by next Sunday. This comes amid a foodborne outbreak that has killed over 20 children in the country. Answering questions in the National Council of Provinces yesterday, […] todayDecember 6, 2024 11
insert_link South Africa In S.A, Gauteng Health MEC to Lead Engagement on Food Safety In South Africa, Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko will lead a multi-stakeholder engagement in Soweto this afternoon, focused on compliance and enforcement of food safety measures. The country is currently battling a foodborne illness outbreak. Over 20 children have died in Gauteng due to suspected food poisoning linked to spaza shops. The department’s spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, says the MEC will also conduct inspections at local spaza shops and supermarkets to […] todayNovember 26, 2024 17
insert_link South Africa In South Africa: Grade R Learner Dies After Snack Incident in Soweto S.A's Gauteng Education Department has confirmed the death of a Grade R learner from Dumezweni Primary in Diepkloof, Soweto, while three other learners were taken to hospital with similar symptoms after consuming snacks. Department spokesperson Steve Mabona says MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed condolences to the family and wished the sick learners a speedy recovery: Meanwhile, the City of Tshwane has initiated a spaza shop registration outreach across […] todayNovember 22, 2024 13
insert_link Health / Medical South Africa classifies foodborne diseases as a national disaster South Africa’s National Disaster Management Centre has declared a national disaster due to an increase in foodborne illnesses caused by poor food safety practices. Following 890 reported cases of foodborne illnesses, mostly in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, the declaration mandates a multisectoral relief plan. The country’s Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi. todayNovember 21, 2024 24
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s Consumer Commission Urges Spaza Shops to Register for Public Safety The South Africa National Consumer Commission has urged spaza shop owners to register within 21 days, as required by president Cyril Ramaphosa. Acting commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu highlighted non-compliance during inspections, following food poisoning incidents that hospitalised hundreds and claimed the lives of learners. Ratshisusu emphasised to the SABC that the Consumer Protection Act prohibits the sale of unsafe goods, urging shop owners to prioritise public safety: todayNovember 20, 2024 14
insert_link South Africa Education Activist Hendrick Makaneta Backs New Spaza Shop Regulations Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has praised the government’s new regulations for spaza shops, seeing them as crucial to reducing foodborne illnesses impacting learners nationwide. Hundreds of learners have been affected by food poisoning with multiple deaths recorded. Makaneta urges proactive government action to protect citizens. todayNovember 11, 2024 36
insert_link South Africa The ANC has called for stricter health and safety protocols for spaza shops In S.A, the ANC has called for stricter health and safety protocols for spaza shops following recent foodborne illnesses, which have affected children. The party is working with law enforcement, local businesses, and other partners to introduce stricter regulations for establishments like spaza shops to ensure public health is prioritised. ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula told the media the party is also closely monitoring investigations into these incidents: todayNovember 8, 2024 20
insert_link South Africa S.A. Police Target Food Manufacturers Amid Rising Food Poisoning Cases In S.A, Acting Gauteng premier and Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela says police have been given a mandate to focus on food manufacturers, as cases of suspected food poisoning are on the rise. She visited the family of two pupils from Sonqoba Primary School in Katlehong, who died after allegedly consuming snacks from a local spaza shop and food supplied by the school. Diale-Tlabela says communities need to be […] todayNovember 6, 2024 37