COSATU Gauteng calls for an increase in health inspectors and regular inspections following the tragic death of five children in Soweto
October 9, 2024
The Congress of South African Trade Unions(COSATU) in Gauteng is saddened by the distressing situation in Naledi, Soweto, where five children have died after allegedly consuming snacks from a local spaza shop owned by a foreign national. COSATU sends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased children and wishes a speedy recovery to the child who has been admitted to hospital.
This incident is not isolated as it follows a similar pattern where two boys passed away in October last year. The children had fallen ill after eating biscuits from a local spaza shop. In February this year, a Grade 1 learner from Mandlethu Primary School in Tsakane also died under the same circumstances.
COSATU Gauteng acknowledges the heightened tensions in Naledi and understands the anger and frustrations expressed by community members. The safety and well-being of our communities, especially our children, are of paramount importance.
It would be of extreme interest for the findings to the investigations by the South African Police Service to the 2023 case to be revealed to put an end to these deaths. COSATU urges all stakeholders, including law enforcement, local government, and community leaders, to work collaboratively to address these concerns and find lasting solutions.
Equally, it is essential to approach such situations with care, seeking a balance between addressing the concerns of the community and ensuring that justice is served through thorough investigations.
COSATU Gauteng calls for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the pupil’s death in Tsakane. It is imperative to determine the source of the alleged contamination and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Furthermore, we advocate for proactive measures to ensure the safety of food products sold in local spaza shops, regardless of ownership. Regular inspections, strict adherence to health and safety standards, and community awareness campaigns can contribute to preventing such tragic incidents in the future.
COSATU Gauteng will closely monitor the developments and engage with relevant authorities to ensure justice is served and the safety of our communities is prioritized.
While emotions run high, it is crucial to maintain calm and to avoid actions that may lead to xenophobia or the unfair targeting of specific communities.
Statement issued by COSATU Gauteng Provincial Chairperson Amos Monyela, 9 October 2024
