Ramaphosa to speak on food poisonings ‘this week’

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, confirmed the plan during a post-cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, although she could not provide a specific date. 

Several children across the country have fallen ill in recent weeks, allegedly after eating contaminated snacks purchased from spaza shops or vendors.

The deaths of the children, some of whom had traces of organophosphate in their blood, have highlighted the risks associated with unregulated or poorly regulated food vendors.   

The recent outbreak of foodborne illnesses has resulted in the hospitalisation of over 200 pupils and the deaths of 23.

This has raised serious concerns about the regulations and bylaws governing these shops, with most parents calling for the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to intervene.

However, Ntshavheni said there are no plans to deploy the military to spaza shops for inspections or enforcement at this stage.

"There is work that we are doing in the interministerial committees to make sure that work is done. Also, the Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster continues to do work to prepare for the president's address.

“There is no discussion of deploying the military in terms of spaza shops. In terms of work that is underway, we think that as the security cluster outside of the military, we can handle what needs to be handled.

“The president will address. I do not want to pre-empt when given the work that is still being done by the committees.

“The committee is meeting again this afternoon to finalise the issues in preparation. Depending on the various aspects, when all work is integrated back into the joint efforts, the president will be able to address them.

If we complete that work with sufficient time for the president to address today or tomorrow, he will. But he will address this week," said Ntshavheni.

Ntshavheni insisted that the government has prioritised the matter by deploying the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure.

"Health officials have determined that Terbufos, a highly toxic chemical organophosphate, was the cause of death for six children in Naledi, Soweto, after they ate snacks bought from a local spaza shop. 

“An intensive investigation is underway to ascertain the origin of the chemical.

“The government assures South Africans that our health authorities are thoroughly investigating this and other cases involving the deaths of young people as a result of suspected food poisoning.

“Anyone found responsible will be held accountable and prosecuted to the full extent of the law," the minister warned. 

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