Gauteng municipalities failing to enforce food safety rules at spaza shops, Public Protector finds

Gauteng municipalities failing to enforce food safety rules at spaza shops, Public Protector finds

The Public Protector has found that Gauteng municipalities are failing to adequately enforce food safety and hygiene regulations at spaza shops and other informal food outlets, following a systemic investigation triggered by child deaths linked to suspected food poisoning.

Public Protector's report finds Gauteng child deaths were preventable

Public Protector's report finds Gauteng child deaths were preventable Vusi.Bafetane Fri, 07/17/2026 - 19:11 Spaza shop in Soweto. JOHANNESBURG - Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka says the deaths of children linked to alleged food poisoning in Gauteng could have been prevented.She's released a report on the deaths of at least 23 children linked to contaminated snacks bought from spaza shops and street vendors in 2024.Gcaleka says weak enforcement …

Gauteng operating below 30% of required food safety inspectors, Public Protector finds

Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka discusses Gauteng's food safety crisis, revealing staffing shortages and low spaza shop compliance rates in her Section 7(9) notice.