Gauteng Faces Alarming Surge in Foodborne Illnesses, with 23 Child Deaths Reported in 2024
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has confirmed that 23 schoolchildren in the province have tragically died due to foodborne illnesses since the beginning of the year. This concerning revelation came during a media briefing on Sunday, November 10, 2024, in Johannesburg, where Lesufi provided an update on the government’s efforts to combat the rising number of food poisoning cases linked to unregulated spaza shops and school vendors.
**Shocking Statistics and Impact on Children**
According to Premier Lesufi, Gauteng has recorded 441 food contamination incidents this year, with 23 fatalities, the majority of which involved children aged six to 10. The highest number of cases has been reported in Ekurhuleni, followed closely by the West Rand. Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni saw the most fatalities, with seven out of 19 postmortem results showing traces of organophosphate, a harmful chemical often found in pesticides.
The deaths are linked to food purchased from informal vendors and spaza shops, which are often not subject to the same strict health and safety regulations as more established businesses. Lesufi emphasized that these incidents highlight the dangers posed by unregulated food sources, particularly in communities where access to formal retail options is limited.
**Government’s Response and Measures for Prevention**
In response to this crisis, Premier Lesufi announced that the provincial government is working on improving reporting mechanisms and enhancing public awareness. A new reporting template will be introduced to enable hospitals, schools, and community health centers to better track and report foodborne illnesses. This measure aims to ensure accurate and timely data on food contamination cases across Gauteng.
Additionally, a key part of the solution will involve stricter regulations for spaza shops and other informal traders. Lesufi revealed that a collaborative approach is being pursued, with all municipalities in Gauteng set to pass new by-laws that will regulate the operation of spaza shops. These by-laws will include guidelines on how businesses should register and operate to ensure public health and safety. Stakeholder consultations and weekly engagements with local authorities will be held to develop these regulations further.
**Re-registration of Spaza Shops to Ensure Safety**
One of the immediate steps being taken is the re-registration of spaza shops. This will help ensure that businesses are compliant with health and safety standards, particularly those involved in food sales. The MEC for Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, along with all the Members of the Mayoral Committees (MMCs), will oversee the development of a business re-registration template. This will specifically target those businesses linked to the illness and deaths of children in Gauteng.
While the informal sector plays a significant role in the provincial economy, Lesufi stressed that it is the responsibility of all informal traders to adhere to legal and health standards. He called on residents to be cautious when purchasing food and to avoid buying expired goods.
**Public Call for Vigilance and Reporting**
Lesufi urged Gauteng residents to check food expiry dates before purchasing and to report any vendors selling expired or unsafe food. He provided an emergency healthcare number (012 345 6789) for residents to use when reporting violations. The Premier also emphasized that, while informal businesses are crucial for addressing unemployment and poverty, they must operate in a way that prioritizes the health and safety of the public.
As Gauteng grapples with this alarming rise in foodborne illnesses, it is clear that stronger regulations and greater public awareness are critical in preventing further loss of life. The provincial government’s ongoing efforts to address these issues will require cooperation from both the public and private sectors to ensure the safety of all residents.