Foundation Urges Enforcement of Food Safety Laws, Not Inciting Xenophobia

Issued by Christo van der Rheede on behalf of the FW de Klerk Foundation:

The recent contamination crises clearly violates the right to access sufficient food and an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being (sections 27(1)(b) and 24 of the Constitution). It is important to address the food poisoning challenges arising from contaminated food sold by the sector. However, the FW de Klerk Foundation is concerned by the growing debate surrounding spaza shop owners’ nationality.

“The Foundation believes that the answer lies not in restricting ownership based on nationality, but in ensuring that existing food safety laws are effectively enforced across the board to protect all South Africans from unsafe food practices,” said Christo van der Rheede, Executive Director of the FW de Klerk Foundation. “The solution is to hold everyone, including spaza shops, accountable for meeting food safety standards, regardless of nationality.”

“Food safety is a basic public health function and it is the Food Control Section within the Department of Health that is responsible for ensuring food safety in South Africa. Section 8.1.1 of South Africa’s National Environmental Health Policy states there should be one Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) for every 10 000 people. However, South Africa currently has only 1 712 EHPs—just a fraction of the 6 203 required for adequate coverage. This leaves many communities, especially those in densely populated areas, vulnerable,” explains van der Rheede.

The FW de Klerk Foundation calls on the government to explore public-private partnerships to ensure sufficient EHPs and improve food safety oversight so that South Africans are protected from preventable harm…continue reading this article HERE.

Bheki Cele: {2018 – 2024} Bheki Cele served as the Minister of Police from February 2018. He previously held the position from 2009 to 2011. Cele is known for his strong stance on crime and violence, and has focused on strengthening police-community relations and addressing issues related to gender-based violence.