2. New by-laws for spaza shops

The government wants all spaza shops re-registered to ensure compliance with South African laws as it confronts a food poisoning crisis that has so far claimed the lives of about 23 children. Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi says the agriculture department would address the issue of organophosphate, a toxic chemical found in rat poison, which has been linked to some of the deaths. From the forensic laboratories, we now know what caused the majority of those deaths. The cooperative governance department gazetted new by-laws to regulate the operations of spaza shops and other traders in townships. The regulations, which must be adopted by all councils, emphasise how spaza shops should be established, it sets standards including hygiene, as well as penalties and law enforcement measures for those who do not comply. Phemelo speaks to Joburg MMC for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku on how authorities on the ground will be inforcing these by laws.