Tragedy strikes as unregulated spaza shops in Soweto put lives at risk

In the wake of tragic deaths of five learners in Naledi, Soweto, Democratic Alliance (DA) has revealed alarming conditions surrounding spaza shops in the area.

According to DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, Sergio Isa Dos, various spaza shops around Karabo Primary School and Khauhelo Primary School do not have compliance certificates to operate and sell consumable items.

During an oversight inspection, the DA discovered [these] spaza shops have not been inspected in terms of health and safety compliance, putting the lives of the community at risk.

“The fact that there have been no health inspections means the City of Johannesburg (COJ) continues to fail in enforcing by-laws and keeping people safe. This neglect of our people’s health and well-being is simply inexcusable,” said Isa Dos.

The tragic deaths of young learners who allegedly consumed snacks from these unregulated spaza shops have sparked outrage and concern.

Despite the suffering these incidents have caused, DA urges calm and the application of the law. Isa Dos demands that the COJ conduct regular health inspections and provide adequate resources for environmental health officials to perform their duties.

The DA is committed to ensuring that measures are put in place to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

Isa Dos stated that the DA government would ensure collaboration between provincial and local authorities in initiating inspections of all spaza shops in the province.

He said this would be done through the City’s Trade License Department, and only traders with a CoJ Certificate of Acceptability from the Environmental Health Department would be eligible for permits.

“DA will continue to hold all relevant parties accountable to guarantee that spaza shops and supermarkets in our communities operate legitimately.

Isa Dos emphasised, one life lost is one too many, adding it is time for action to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities in Soweto and  other areas.