The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on the government to urgently investigate the source of illegal chemicals found in goods sold at some spaza shops. This follows the heartbreaking deaths of 22 children who consumed contaminated food from these stores.
In response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent call for stricter regulation of unlicensed spaza shops, DA national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau emphasized the need for swift and decisive action to prevent further tragedies.
Khakhau highlighted the critical shortage of environmental health practitioners, revealing that only 1,712 are currently employed nationwide, far short of the 6,203 required to ensure proper oversight. “No more lives should be lost. The presidency must work with provincial governments to address this gap and safeguard public health,” she said.
The DA’s plea underscores the urgent need for stricter regulation and enforcement to protect communities from unsafe food practices.
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