The Office of the Public Protector has acceded to the request by the leader of the African Transformation Movement (ATM) to investigate the government’s failure to enforce regulations on spaza shops and other companies processing foodstuffs sold to the South African public.

Vuyo Zungula made the request to the office in October last year at the height of the deaths of children who had allegedly consumed poisoned food.

In a letter to Zungula dated 29 May 2025, the Office of the Public Protector said it has elected to conduct a systemic investigation, with the intention to address issues affecting larger groups and, in so doing, make a much broader impact with appropriate remedial action.

“The investigation will focus on allegations of failure or ineffectiveness by various organs of state to enforce prescripts regulating the manufacturing, processing and sale of foodstuff by manufacturers, wholesalers, and informal traders and spaza shops. The investigation will follow a multi-sectoral approach where identified organs of state and stakeholders will be consulted to receive written submissions in response to the allegations, explanations of their roles and measures put in place to alleviate the outbreak of foodborne illnesses and deaths.

“The investigation will also include amongst others participation of affected communities, Spaza Shops Associations, Informal Economy Association Representatives, Traditional Leaders to share their experiences on the effect of foodborne illnesses and deaths,” reads the letter to Zungula.

The office added that it is a common cause that food retailers and businesses selling foodstuffs are regulated at various levels of government by different organs of state.