President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on the evening of November 15, 2024, expressing deep sorrow over the recent wave of foodborne illnesses that have claimed the lives of 22 children and affected nearly 900 individuals across South Africa. His address, delivered from the Union Buildings in Tshwane, highlighted the tragic deaths caused by contaminated food, with the youngest victim being just six years old. He urged the nation to unite in preventing such incidents from recurring.

A key component of the President’s speech was his 21-day directive aimed at tackling the crisis head-on. He announced that:

1. All Spaza Shops and Food Outlets Must Register

Within 21 days, all spaza shops and other food outlets are required to register with their respective municipalities and meet health and safety standards. Those failing to comply will be shut down immediately.

Advertisement:

2. Nationwide Inspections to Begin

Interdisciplinary inspection teams, including the South African Military Health Services, environmental health practitioners, and law enforcement, will conduct door-to-door inspections. The campaign will begin in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, the provinces most affected by the crisis.

3. Immediate Crackdown on Hazardous Pesticides

All illegal pesticides, including Terbufos and Aldicarb, will be removed from circulation. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers will face stringent inspections to ensure compliance with regulations. Establishments found in possession of restricted substances will be shut down and prosecuted.

What Led to the Crisis?

Investigations have revealed that hazardous chemicals, such as the agricultural pesticide Terbufos, were being improperly sold and stored. In Naledi, Soweto, where six children tragically died, Terbufos contamination was found in food products sold at spaza shops. Poor waste management in municipalities has exacerbated rat infestations, driving communities to use these banned substances.

Measures to Protect Children

The President emphasized the need to safeguard children, particularly from exposure to harmful substances:

• Guidelines for Schools: By the start of the 2025 school year, updated protocols will ensure stricter management of food suppliers to schools.

• Public Education Campaigns: National awareness campaigns will teach communities about food safety, hygiene, and the dangers of banned pesticides.

• Legal Reforms: Certain hazardous chemicals will be classified as “dangerous objects” prohibited on school premises.

Long-term Interventions

To prevent future outbreaks, the government has committed to improving waste management in municipalities and enforcing stricter compliance at landfill sites. Additionally, a R500 million joint fund will be established to support township and rural businesses in upgrading facilities and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Call for Unity

President Ramaphosa appealed to parents, businesses, and communities to work together to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable individuals. He encouraged consumers to purchase food only from licensed establishments and report any suspicious or unsafe products to the National Consumer Commission.

Community Responsibility

“We are not helpless,” said President Ramaphosa. “Each of us must take responsibility for the safety and well-being of our communities, especially our children. By working together and enforcing the law, we can end these tragedies.”

The President’s address serves as a rallying cry for action, accountability, and unity to address the root causes of foodborne illnesses and protect the nation’s most vulnerable.

-The VIP Team

-SA Presidency

Advertisement: