The uMkhonto Wesizwe Party is exploring the possibility of filing a class-action lawsuit on behalf of those affected by widespread food poisoning incidents across South Africa. Since September, nearly 900 cases of food-borne illnesses have been reported, with Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal being the hardest-hit provinces.
National organizer Floyd Shivambu, speaking to the media in Durban on Wednesday, expressed concerns over the operation of some spaza shops and their role in the outbreaks. He highlighted the party's ongoing efforts to address these issues, particularly regarding the sourcing of food sold at these informal retailers.
Shivambu explained that uMkhonto Wesizwe's regional branches have been heavily involved in protest actions, with campaigns focused on holding spaza shops accountable. "In eThekwini, women's formations, the youth league, and many parts of South Africa have launched a targeted campaign to vet spaza shops, questioning where they get their food and who the manufacturers are," he said.
The party's remarks come as it prepares to mark its first anniversary this weekend, and it continues to push for greater scrutiny of food safety standards in the country.