WATCH | ‘Illegal shops will be shut down’ – Mbalula promises crackdown after Soweto tragedy

Gordhan

Cape Town – ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has announced that the government will take significant action regarding spaza shops following the deaths of six children in Soweto who consumed suspected contaminated snacks.

Although no medical report has confirmed the cause of death, Mbalula expressed concerns about food safety in spaza shops, particularly those accused of selling expired or harmful products.

“We are going to intervene in a big way with regard to the spaza shops issue. We are a government. Where we are in charge there must be laws that must be respected and enforced. If the state is weak in terms of the rule of law, the masses will take the law into their hands,” he said.

Mbalula continued: “As the ANC, we must be at the helm of the struggles. At headquarters I will convene the cluster of ministers to give answers, to work with our provinces. We can’t lament when we’re in power and complain with the rest of society.

“As government, we must give leadership in relation to this matter, and it is urgent and important.”

Tensions have escalated, with looting and shop closures in some areas.

Mbalula emphasised the need for stronger regulations and law enforcement, saying that illegal shops would be shut down as part of an upcoming action plan.

“Very soon we will announce our action plan for all townships to respond to this question of spaza shops. Positive and negative, we must mobilise the churches and everyone around a common programme of action for the common good of our nation.

“We are going to ensure that those that are illegal, we close them down,” he said.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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