Lesufi joins call for regulation of spaza shops in Gauteng

JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has emphasised the urgent need to accelerate the regulation of spaza shops in the province. 

This is in response to a recent surge of cases where children have experienced medical complications allegedly from eating goods bought from local stores.

Earlier this month, six children died in Naledi, Soweto, after consuming snacks believed to have been bought from a spaza shop.

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Similarly, seven pupils at a primary school in Bronkhorstspruit were hospitalised after eating chips bought from a street vendor. 

Speaking at a local government summit in Muldersdrift on Wednesday, Lesufi said this scourge shouldn't continue to thrive.

"It can't be a free-for-all all. Those that operate these particular businesses, there must be a form of accountability. Collectively out of this meeting, we will agree on getting inspectors to ensure that expired foods are not sold to our children and that each and every spaza shop in our areas must be appropriately registered," said Lesufi.