The Gauteng Health Department has confirmed that it has recorded no less than 600 food poisoning incidents since the start of the year.
As a result, provincial MEC for health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has pleaded with Diepkloof, Soweto, residents to keep their neighbourhoods clean to prevent food-related illnesses following the deaths of two children suspected of poisoning in the area.
On Tuesday, in the company of MMC for Finance, Margaret Arnolds, MMC for Economic Development, Nomoya Mnisi,, and MMC for Development Planning, Eunice Mgcina, Nkomo-Ralehoko conducted a series of health and by-law enforcement visits to various spaza shops in the area, resulting in the closure of some non-compliant shops.
“As (a) government, we are concerned when children die after eating snacks bought from local spaza shops and these rising cases of foodborne illnesses. In the province, we have recorded 631 cases alone.
“It was found that the source of the contamination is a chemical called organophosphate identified as Terbufos and organophosphate, commonly known as halephirimi sold by street vendors and hawkers. The problem of rat infestation is due to in part, poor waste management. We must then ensure that we clean our communities,” she said.
As a result of these visits, several shops were closed down for failing to adhere to health standards.
“As a government, we are deeply concerned when children die after consuming snacks from local spaza shops and face rising cases of food-related illnesses,” Nkomo-Ralehoko stated.
The MEC highlighted that investigations into the recent cases revealed that organophosphate chemicals, specifically Terbufos and halephirimi, often sold by street vendors, were major sources of contamination.
Furthermore, the MEC pointed out that rat infestations exacerbated by inadequate waste management were contributing factors to these health crises.
Following the inspections, Nkomo-Ralehoko engaged with community members during a session at the Ekhaya Recreational Centre in Diepkloof Zone 4.
Residents expressed their frustrations regarding the shortage of health inspectors, which has undermined the enforcement of municipal by-laws.
Long-time Diepkloof resident Leonard Kungwane demanded action against landlords who rent to undocumented foreigners, arguing that their presence exacerbates local problems.
“This thing of leasing your back rooms and your establishments to undocumented foreigners must stop. It is clear that they are not here to help but to destroy us,” Kungwane lamented.
Additionally, Pat Mamabolo, the secretary general of the township’s Multi-stakeholder Economic Movement, urged local authorities to empower residents and enable their participation in the economy.
“Government must learn to work with local people and empower them to run their own businesses. Our people need opportunities so that they are able to participate in the economy,” he said.
Pholo Sekwane further echoed the sentiment of community discontent, remarking on the visible lack of health inspections in Diepkloof.
“Our spaces are dirty, and people run their own businesses without complying with health standards,” he asserted.
The Star