EDITORIAL | When it comes to informal establishments, safety first should prevail

Residents of Naledi in Soweto recently took to the streets to march against foreign nationals operating spaza shops in their township. These protests were triggered by the tragic deaths of two children and hospitalisation of two others who had reportedly consumed biscuits bought from local foreign-owned spaza shops.

While this incident is alarming, it underscores the need for a broader discussion about what happens in these townships and what is done to ensure that all businesses operating there are above board. 

Beyond this case, other fatalities have occurred in the same week involving children who allegedly consumed goods from these informal establishments. While toxicology reports in the Soweto case are pending for one of the children, one postmortem did reveal organophosphate poisoning. However, inspections of the shop in question found no counterfeit or expired goods.

The government claims to be doing all it can to curb and rid communities of illegally run spaza shops, some of whom have been found to be manufacturing their own counterfeit goods such as spices, cooldrinks and even alcohol. Plenty of these have been exposed on social media and with government interventions, where expiry dates are removed and this bad produce is sold to communities. 

While spaza shops — albeit many foreign-owned — are essential for the local economy and provide a much-needed service, it’s crucial to strike a balance between economic contribution and public safety

Health MMC Ennie Makhafola this week said local health inspectors are making efforts to protect residents, but the sheer number of spaza shops in Soweto presents a challenge. There are over 1,600 spaza shops in the area, and certificates of compliance are issued to those that meet the standards. Yet the problem persists as one owner closes shop and another takes its place.

Communities need to play their role too, by alerting authorities to new developments in their backyards. 

Many foreign-owned spaza shops operate within South African-owned yards. Landlords collect rent from these shops, but diligence in requiring compliance certificates from spaza owners is often lacking. Landlords should share the responsibility for the safety of their tenants’ businesses.

While spaza shops — albeit many foreign-owned — are essential for the local economy and provide a much-needed service, it’s crucial to strike a balance between economic contribution and public safety. Compliance and safety measures must be established without stifling entrepreneurship.

Home affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi last year raised an important point: “It is global practice around the world that when you establish a spaza shop or any business, you must be licensed by the local authority.”

Speaking at the time, Motsoaledi said spaza shops in SA were not licensed and local municipalities were not doing anything about it.

“Whether you are South African or not, if you own a spaza shop it must be licensed and everyone must know about its existence. It must register for tax,” he added.

In the face of these challenges, it is imperative that communities take proactive measures to ensure the safety and health of their residents. Collaboration between the government, landlords and residents is essential to establish effective oversight and compliance systems.