KEY POINTS
- The deaths connected to spaza shops have triggered nationwide outrage which has led activists to call for government accountability.
- Advocacy groups push for an inquiry into contaminated food deaths.
- People have started questioning food safety guidelines and spaza shop licensing procedures.
A wave of anger has swept across South Africa following the deaths of more than 24 children who reportedly consumed contaminated snacks from local spaza shops.
The tragedy has sparked an outcry, with advocacy groups demanding accountability from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration.
Leading the charge are Operation Dudula and the Professional Unity of South Africa (PROFSA), two organizations committed to seeking justice for the victims.
Through their combined initiative, they seek to pressure government intervention so such tragic incidents never repeat themselves in the future.
Some of the young victims, who died as far back as October 2023, include Owami and Hope Xaba, Lwethu Sikonde, Lesedi Mulaudzi, Njabulo Msimango, and Zinhle Masilela, among others.
When yet another child, Siyabonga Mnisi, died in November, the movement escalated its efforts, vowing to take legal action against the government.
According to PROFSA CEO Mashudu Chibase, the matter has already reached South Africa’s Constitutional Court, where they are demanding a full investigation.
“We cannot stand by while innocent lives are lost. We’ve filed our legal papers, and now we await the government’s response,” Chibase said.
The core demand is simple: a formal commission of inquiry to determine what happened and who is responsible. “If a black child dies, nothing is done. We need the president to exercise his constitutional authority and launch an investigation,” Chibase added.
Advocacy groups demand government transparency
During a press briefing, Operation Dudula president Zandile Dabula echoed these concerns, insisting that authorities take responsibility for ensuring food safety in townships.
“We’ve seen how quickly the government acted when the Usindiso building fire occurred. But when it comes to these children, nothing has been done,” Dabula said.
The authorities at first suggested that organophosphate and terbufos exposure through pesticides led to the deaths.
However, they have not taken conclusive action nor held anyone responsible despite this situation. “All we have are vague statements. Where is the accountability? Where is the justice?” Dabula questioned.
To escalate pressure, Operation Dudula and PROFSA are pursuing both legal and petition-based advocacy efforts. “We will hold the government accountable, even if it means taking our fight to the highest court in the country,” Dabula asserted.
Questions over Spaza shop regulations and compliance
The controversy has also raised concerns over spaza shop regulations, especially regarding food safety and licensing.
The February 28 registration deadline for spaza shops was predicted to organize the industry, but Dabula asserts there has been insufficient transparency in the operation.
“We were completely shut out of the registration process. Meanwhile, we hear officials claim there are 15,000 registered spaza shops in Gauteng alone. That’s inaccurate—Soweto alone has more than that,” she said.
Dabula further alleged that some non-compliant shops had been approved while community watchdogs were denied participation.
“It’s a serious issue. We’re on the ground every day, yet we weren’t allowed to monitor the process,” she added.
The rising discussion regarding tighter management of unregulated spaza shops has become more prominent in South Africa due to worries about dangerous items sold illegally.
The absence of government oversight creates conditions for future incidents to persist based on activist opinions.
The families of victims, along with community members, wait for information as the legal disputes between the parties continue to escalate. The question remains: Will the South African government take action, or will these deaths be forgotten?
