ZF Mgcawu District Municipality Hosts Two-Day Food Safety Training for Spaza Shop Owners
The ZF Mgcawu District Municipality, through its Environmental Health Services Unit, successfully hosted a two-day Food Safety and Compliance Training programme for spaza shop owners. The initiative, held in collaboration with the Department of Health, Dawid Kruiper Local Economic Development Unit (LED), and the South African Police Service (SAPS), aimed to strengthen compliance, promote hygiene standards, and ensure safer trading environments within local communities.
Empowering Spaza Shop Owners through Knowledge
The first session introduced spaza shop owners to fundamental food safety principles, including maintaining hygiene in their shops, correct packaging and labelling of products, safe food handling and processing practices and ensuring adequate ventilation and lighting in business premises. Representatives from SAPS also addressed traders on the importance of adhering to regulated trading hours, noting that late-night operations increase the risk of robberies and other criminal incidents. They further urged participants to refrain from selling alcohol unlawfully and from selling cigarettes to minors.
Deepening Awareness and Compliance
Session Two of the training, held at the Piet Thole Community Hall in Rosedale, built upon the knowledge gained during Day One. Environmental Health Practitioners and sector partners presented on a range of advanced topics, including water purification and safe usage, proper storage and separation of food and non-food items, correct product labelling and the prohibition of incorrect labelling and the value of employing trained staff for food preparation and cleaning duties. Participants were reminded that business ownership requires investment, including maintaining cleanliness, hiring assistance where necessary, and ensuring compliance with health standards. Traders were also urged to maintain clear separation between living quarters and business areas, with inspectors noting that practices such as placing beds next to bread counters are strictly unacceptable.
Supporting Compliance and Community Health
During the second session, spaza shop owners received informational pamphlets outlining the process to obtain a Certificate of Acceptability (COA). It was emphasised that having a valid trading permit is a prerequisite for obtaining a COA. Environmental Health Practitioners also conducted a follow-up inspection at a previously non-compliant shop, where notable improvements were observed and further guidance provided. Community members attended both sessions, as consumers play a vital role in upholding food safety by supporting compliant businesses and reporting concerns. The ZF Mgcawu District Municipality remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting small business owners while ensuring the safeguarding of public health. Through ongoing education, collaboration, and monitoring, the District continues to promote a culture of compliance, accountability, and safe food handling, ensuring that communities across the region are healthier, safer, and better served.
