OPINION | Underlying issues affecting spaza shops, not just food poisoning

The recent tragic deaths of children from food poisoning have sparked urgent government actions aimed at regulating spaza shops across the country.

However, while the focus on health issues is undoubtedly crucial, it may represent a knee-jerk reaction that overlooks the complex and intractable problems at the heart of this crisis.

The government's swift response, mandating the registration of all spaza shops within 21 days, addresses the immediate concern of food safety. However, this approach may miss the broader, systemic issues that have been festering for years.

Municipalities, plagued by inefficiencies and corruption, fail to provide basic services such as waste collection. The piling up of refuse creates environmental hazards and has led to a significant increase in the rat population. This not only worsens health risks but also affects the quality of life in these communities.

The severe shortage of health inspectors further complicates the situation. With too few inspectors to cover the vast number of spaza shops, ensuring compliance with health regulations becomes an insurmountable challenge.

Migration and porous borders have led to an influx of foreign nationals, many of whom have established spaza shops. This demographic shift has sparked xenophobic tensions, with local residents perceiving foreign shop owners as competitors encroaching on their economic opportunities.

Foreigners dominate the spaza shop sector, creating additional layers of tension within townships. This dominance, combined with inadequate support for local entrepreneurs, has weakened the township economy.

Many spaza shops operate out of poorly built structures, lacking basic amenities and proper sanitation. This infrastructural deficit not only poses health risks but also hinders the growth and development of these businesses.

While addressing food safety is vital, it is equally important to undertake a comprehensive root-cause analysis. This crisis is not just about contaminated food; it is about systemic failures that require nuanced and long-term planning.

Restoring functionality to municipalities should be a priority. Efficient waste management, regular health inspections, and basic infrastructure improvements are essential steps.

Increasing the number of health inspectors and providing adequate resources will ensure better compliance and safer food practices.

Addressing xenophobic sentiments through community engagement and integration programmes can foster better relations between local and foreign shop owners.

Investing in the township economy by providing financial support, training, and resources to local entrepreneurs can level the playing field and stimulate economic growth.

Upgrading the infrastructure of spaza shops, including better-built structures and access to sanitation facilities, is crucial for the health and sustainability of these businesses.

The spaza shops crisis is a microcosm of broader societal challenges in SA. A knee-jerk reaction focused solely on food safety will not solve the underlying issues. It is only through a holistic, systemic approach that we can hope to address the multifaceted nature of this crisis and build a more resilient and equitable future for all South Africans.

This article underscores the complexity of the spaza shops crisis and advocates for comprehensive and systemic solutions rather than quick fixes.

• Mokgoro is the former North West premier