Inspectors find damaged canned foods at Umlazi spaza shops
Provincial government department inspectors uncovered a potentially hazardous situation where supermarkets in Maluazi, Ward 89, Umlazi, were selling uncovered and dented canned foods.
Foods in damaged cans are potentially poisonous if consumed.
The inspection was undertaken under the auspices of the department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), the inspection team - comprising officials from the department’s Business Regulations and Consumer Protection Unit under the eThekwini Municipality - and the department of Health.
The initiative was also supported by the South African Police Services, Intelligence Officers and the eThekwini Metro Police.
Two undocumented foreign nationals were arrested by the Home Affairs Immigration Unit.
EDTEA MEC Siboniso Duma, who was part of the operation, said they had received complaints from other township and rural-based spaza shop owners that they were “being forced out of the market by a syndicate that has infiltrated the spaza shop market”.
“In addition, consumers have also complained about their safety and the welfare of children. This campaign is aimed at protecting local and honest entrepreneurs in the townships and rural areas.
“We have strengthened our partnership with law enforcement agencies, Consumer Commission, National Competition Authority and Consumer Goods Council of South Africa.
“We are also targeting manufacturers of counterfeit goods including fake alcohol. The KZN Liquor Authority is protecting more than 6000 genuine liquor licence holders.
“Importantly the Department's Moses Kotane Institute has conducted a study on Spaza Shops throughout the corners of the province. We now know exactly what needs to be done to assist them. This is part of stimulating township and rural economy,” said Mr Duma.
He said the department would be inviting spaza shop owners to apply for a loan facility of up to R100 000 or a R20 000 grant that would also help them to acquire stock and to fund a shortfall of liquidity for social grants pay-outs. In addition, about 960 spaza shops will be given speed points to pay social grants; 10 graduates will be employed and attached to this programme where they will earn R10 000 over 24 months.
“We have reconfigured the Bulk Buying Warehouse in KwaSithebe, Mandeni with a cost of more than R4 million. The first bulk purchase of food for spaza shops is valued at more than R4,1 million. As we prepare to assist our legitimate entrepreneurs, we will make these unannounced visits and raids throughout the province,” said Mr Duma.
