SPAZA COMPLY RAIDS INTENSIFY IN KUGOMPO CBD
In partnership with key stakeholders, Buffalo City Metro is intensifying ongoing Spaza Comply Raid Operations across the Metro to ensure all food premises meet strict health and safety standards protecting communities and promoting safer trading environments for all.

This week’s operation focused on Ward 47, with emphasis on the kuGompo City CBD area. The operation is aimed at enforcing municipal by-laws and ensuring compliance with health, environmental and safety standards at food premises including shops and spaza shops. The joint operation is being conducted by various Buffalo City Metro departments together with law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to monitor compliance with applicable legislation, hygiene standards, licensing requirements and other regulatory matters.

Giving an overview of what the operation is about General Manager for Environmental Services Luyanda Madikizela said:  “As Environmental Health Services, our core responsibility is to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of all residents. Spaza shops play a critical role in our township and local economies. They provide convenient access to food and household essentials, create livelihoods, and contribute significantly to economic activity within our communities.”  

He added that this important role comes a serious responsibility to comply with health regulations, municipal by-laws and food safety standards.” During inspections, officials have discovered expired food products, unlabelled goods, illegal pesticides, unhygienic storage conditions, inadequate waste disposal systems, and businesses operating without the required documentation and certificates.”

The ongoing operations form part of the Metro’s commitment to protecting consumers, promoting safe trading environments and ensuring that businesses operate within the framework of the law.

Over the past few years, the Municipality has intensified the multi-stakeholder compliance operations across areas including Mdantsane, Duncan Village, Zwelitsha, Amalinda, Cambridge, Gonubie and other parts of the Metro. These operations were initiated due to many premises that were found operating under unsafe and unlawful conditions.

 

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2026-05-27