Media Release: Great turn-out during Educational Workshop for Informal Food Traders in Thembalethu, George

25 November 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP), in collaboration George Municipality, the National Department of Agriculture and the South African Police Services (SAPS), hosted an educational workshop aimed at empowering informal food traders in Thembalethu, George.

According to Acting Chief for Environmental Health Practitioners from the George, Jessica Erasmus, “approximately 200 informal food traders attended the session”. “We started at 09h30 and finished after 12h00. Initially about 50-odd people were present but the numbers quickly increased as more information was being shared.”

“The workshop featured presentations from our EHPs and several critical stakeholders who have a role to play in regulating informal food traders.”

National Department of Agriculture focused on pesticides and poison

Presented on prohibited pesticides and rat poisons that businesses are not allowed to sell. Emphasis was placed on ensuring the safety of products offered to the public. Additionally, guidelines were provided on the proper storage of hazardous materials, stressing the importance of secure and compliant storage practices.

GRDM EHPs focus on health and hygiene

Conducted an interactive session using an educational video to outline hygiene and structural requirements for spaza shops. Practical demonstrations were included to enhance understanding. EHPs also discussed the three types of Certificates of Acceptability (CoAs) available for traders:

• Selling Products: Certification for selling food products.
• Food Preparation: For preparing food on-site.
• Food Processing: For factory-based food production.

Spaza shop owners were reminded about strict quality control measures. Items such as dented, rusted, or improperly labeled cans, as well as unlabelled coffees and oils sold in small packets, must be removed from their shelves.

For queries relating to CoAs issued by EHPs in the George municipal area, contact:

• Emmy Douglas – 044 803 1537, emmy@gardenroute.gov.za
• Jessica Erasmus – 044 803 1522, jessica@gardenroute.gov.za

George Municipality Fire Department focused on fire safety

Delivered a presentation on fire safety, highlighting the necessity of having fire extinguishers on-site. They also provided important contact details for reporting structural fires and other emergencies.

Key contact numbers relating to fire and rescue services at George Municipality:

• For fire emergencies contact 044 801 6311, after-hours emergencies 044 801 6311 and for general enquiries, 044 801 6300

George Municipality Planning Department shared insights into business licenses and zoning

Shared insights on zoning requirements and building plan requirements for businesses and detailed the process for obtaining business licenses. Informal traders were reminded to register their businesses with the George Municipality.

• Tanja Botha – 044 802 2900, tabotha@george.gov.za
• Anelisa Yani – 044 802 2900, ayani@george.gov.za
• Abongile Nontshikiza – 044 802 2900, anontshikiza@george.gov.za

South African Police Service (SAPS) focused on operating hours

Provided clarity on the operating hours for spaza shops, ensuring compliance with regulations to maintain orderly trading practices and safety.

As part of their oversight, the GRDM MMC for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, also attended the educational session. He also took a moment to welcome everyone present, while he was joined by Cllr Jacobus Gertse (GRDM Councillor).

“More workshops will be rolled out in other parts of the region to enhance safety and compliance of other informal food traders,” said Erasmus.

Feature: Imam Saaid providing closing remarks