Fana Samson Sibiya (68), Mamelodi West C4.
“There are no longer food inspectors for the food that we consume. During apartheid, there was a department of food inspection that checked what is to be sold and what should not be sold. They would check the quality of food that is produced in companies and if something did not seem right, it was not allowed to be sold to people. Food was also stamped by the inspectors as proof of inspection. Right now, anyone can sell anything or manufacture products and sell them to people because there are no inspectors to confirm if the products are safe to consume.”
Leornard Nkadimeng (31), Katlegong.
“I think it is a problem that has been ongoing for years now. There have been videos circulating of the shop owners making their food in dirty backrooms and selling it to the people. I think the government should have done something about it a long time ago and it could have prevented it to getting where children are dying from consuming their food. The government must close shops owned by foreigners as they do not care about the wellbeing of South Africans.”
Frank Morutlwa (26),
“The state should regulate all spaza shops to make sure that they do not sell harmful products which are detrimental to our society. They should comply with health regulations and security personnel should be strengthened.”
Moses Tshwane (34), Nellmapius Ext 4.
“I have 3 kids in primary school who receive pocket money to school. I have no control on what they buy and who they buy it from. With this rising issue of food poisoning in spaza shops I am concerned about my children’s health and really hope the government steps in and attend to this issue as soon as possible.”
Gladys Motlhabane (47), Nellmapius Ext 7.
“The incidents of food poisoning bought from Pakistan shops has caused so much trauma and fear amongst us, the people who rely on local spaza shops for necessities. We cry for help from the government to find a solution for this problem we are facing.”
