Rise Mzansi echoes African Diaspora Forum's sentiments on suspected food poisoning cases in Gauteng
This follows the deaths of six children in Naledi, Soweto, who died after allegedly eating snacks from a local store.
Snacks suspected of food poisoning taken from a local spaza shop by residents from Zithobeni township, in Bronkhorstpruit, on 17 October 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - As investigations into multiple cases of food poisoning continue in Gauteng, political parties have reiterated calls for stricter controls around shops in townships.
This follows the deaths of six children in Naledi, Soweto, who died after allegedly eating snacks from a local store.
On Thursday, learners from Mshuluzane Mayisela Primary School were taken to a nearby hospital after consuming chips allegedly purchased from a street vendor.
Rise Mzansi wants the South African Police Service to lead a multi-disciplinary team to investigate the incidents.
"While law enforcement through environmental health inspectors, and other agencies, is vital in ensuring that products sold by retailers (formal and informal) is important, the series of alleged poisonings are too regular to be simply chalked down to alleged food poisoning due to expired goods.
“The current state of play is reactive; a proactive response is required,” said Rise Mzanzi’s spokesperson Gugu Ndima.
Meanwhile, the African Diaspora Forum (AFD) is deeply concerned that some spaza shops fail to meet the South African Bureau of Standards in conducting business.
This comes after news of six children, who died of suspected food poisoning, after eating snacks bought from a spaza shop.
And while the AFD has called for calm and respect for the law, it is ready to ensure bylaws are enforced.
The non-governmental organisation added it would be a travesty of justice if the true intention is to push foreign-owned businesses out of their spaces.
It also called for calm and swift adherence to the law by all.