Ramaphosa says more than 1,000 Spaza stores and warehouses have been closed since the call for regulation of the sector

CAPE TOWN – President Cyril Ramaphsoa says more than 1,000 spaza shops and warehouses have been closed since he called two weeks ago for the sector to be regulated.

Ramaphosa told the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday that authorities have raided thousands of spaza shops as the government continues its nationwide blitz following the deaths of several children who ate contaminated food bought in spazas across the country.

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Ramaphosa was delivering his annual address to the NCOP on Thursday, where he briefed delegates on issues affecting the country.

“Nearly 200,000 spaza shops were visited. More than 1,000 Spaza stores, supermarkets and warehouses had to be closed.”

He added that they also confiscated large quantities of goods.

“Large quantities of goods have been confiscated and numerous fines have been imposed and issued for violations of the regulations. »