Johannesburg

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the immediate closure of tuck shops linked to a food-borne illness outbreak that has claimed the lives of at least 22 children. In his address on Friday, Ramaphosa stated that any businesses failing to comply with safety regulations or found to be selling hazardous chemicals will be shut down.

This decision comes after nearly 900 cases of food poisoning were reported across the country since September, with Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal being the hardest-hit provinces. An investigation into the deaths of six children in Soweto revealed that they had consumed a toxic pesticide, prompting the president to focus on removing harmful chemicals from public circulation.

Ramaphosa also announced that all spaza shops and food retailers must register with local municipalities within 21 days, or face closure. To ensure compliance, a large-scale inspection campaign will begin in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, involving teams from various agencies, including the South African Military Health Services and the Police.

The president expressed his condolences to the affected families and emphasized the urgent need to control the use of dangerous pesticides. He warned that the unregulated use of such chemicals in communities poses a growing risk with tragic consequences.