Celeste Martin18 November 2024 | 9:17

Spazas MUST re-register in 21 days: 'The timeline is unrealistic' - SA Informal Traders Forum

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently outlined the government's plan to tackle foodborne illnesses that have claimed the lives of mostly children.

Spazas MUST re-register in 21 days: 'The timeline is unrealistic' - SA Informal Traders Forum

Picture: © vrphotographyjhb/123rf

Africa Melane speaks with Brian Phaaloh, General Secretary for the South African Informal Traders Forum.

Listen to their conversation using the audio player below.

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently addressed the nation on the government’s response to foodborne illnesses that have claimed the lives of mostly children across South Africa. 

Ramaphosa wants the immediate closure of shops linked to the deaths, the re-registration of all spazas in 21 days, and the closure of unregistered shops that do not meet health standards in 21 days.

ALSO READ: IN FULL: Ramaphosa on govt's measures to deal with foodborne illnesses

Phaaloh believes the president's 21-day plan is unrealistic. 

"For those who are not complying yet, 21 days is very unfair, it can't be done."
- Brian Phaaloh, General Secretary - South African Informal Traders Forum

He adds that they are still implementing policies from 2022 that were approved by the City of Johannesburg.

Phaaloh hopes these interventions are not only being implemented because people died.

"It's very unfortunate that kids have died. We don't need that to be associated with our sector."
- Brian Phaaloh, General Secretary - South African Informal Traders Forum

Scroll up to listen to the full conversation.