Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie has issued a strong call for the immediate closure of all foreign-owned tuckshops and the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. This follows a series of alarming incidents where several South African learners died or fell seriously ill after consuming toxic snacks purchased from these spaza shops.
The outcry was sparked by a tragic incident in Naledi, Soweto, where six learners lost their lives after eating contaminated snacks, raising serious concerns about food safety in local communities. In Sharpville, Bronkhorstspruit, six children were admitted to hospital after consuming expired snacks from a spaza shop, further intensifying public outrage.
Additionally, 47 learners from Ralepogo Primary School in New Eersterust, Pretoria, were recently discharged after being treated for suspected food poisoning, while more than 70 Grade 12 learners from schools in the West Rand also required medical attention for similar symptoms. In another case, 35 learners from Makahlule Primary School in Malamulele, Limpopo, were treated for food-related illnesses, heightening the call for action.
McKenzie, who is also the leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), has long been vocal about his hardline stance on undocumented foreign nationals. Taking to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), McKenzie demanded the closure of foreign-owned tuckshops, citing non-compliance with food safety standards as a significant concern.
“Foreign-owned tuckshops must be shut down immediately,” McKenzie wrote, expressing frustration with the ongoing food safety risks posed to South African children. His remarks are in line with his broader political platform, which has consistently pushed for stricter immigration enforcement and the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.
South Africans has been exercising maximum restraint & discipline. We are now burying our kids weekly. We as government should act and act fast before people wrongfully take law into own hands. What do we owe these illegal foreigners ? Let them go.
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) October 20, 2024
The incidents have drawn national attention to the issue of food safety and the compliance of spaza shops with health regulations. Health inspectors have already descended on affected areas, including Soweto, to investigate the causes of the food poisoning and ensure accountability.
As the investigation continues, McKenzie’s call for action has added to the broader debate on illegal immigration, foreign-owned businesses, and food safety compliance in South Africa, particularly as it affects the most vulnerable members of society—schoolchildren.
Public concern remains high, and authorities are under pressure to take swift and decisive action to prevent further tragedies and ensure food sold in local communities meets stringent safety standards.
I will never stop fighting for mass deportation. I have been bringing this matter up using channels afforded to me as Minister. I must respect the Minister of Home Affairs and give him space to do his job. We will never abandon this fight Patriots.
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) October 20, 2024
