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20 May 2026 Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners conduct Blitz Operations in Albertinia

Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners conduct Blitz Operations in Albertinia

For immediate release
20 May 2026

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) conducted 17 joint blitz operations in Albertinia this month, whereby the the team inspected spaza shops operating within the area. The operation was conducted in collaboration with representatives of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Albertinia, the Department of Home Affairs and Hessequa Municipality’s Municipal Police Services.

The inspections primarily focused on:

  • Compliance with Regulation 638 (structural and hygiene requirements).
  • Adherence to Labelling Regulation 146, including “best before,” “sell by,” and “use by” dates.
  • Accurate ingredient labelling.
  • Identification of damaged or non-compliant products.

“The aim of the operation was not only to enforce health and legal standards, but also to raise awareness among spaza shop owners regarding regulatory requirements and the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards to safeguard public health,” said Haemish Herwels, Chief: Municipal Health (GRDM Sub-Office, Hessequa).

According to Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, MMC for Community Services: “This collaboration also enabled Home Affairs, SAPS and Hessequa Municipality’s Municipal Police Services to effectively perform their regulatory duties”.  Haemish Herwels added that the GRDM further appreciates the ongoing support received from these departments in ensuring the success of initiatives aimed at protecting the health and safety of communities.

The GRDM also appreciates the support received from members of the public through the lodging of complaints. While officials are not always present on the ground, the information provided by the public plays a vital role in assisting the GRDM to identify areas of concern and respond accordingly.

To report businesses in the Hessequa region that are operating without a Certificate of Acceptability, or who do not comply with standards, contact the Chief for Municipal Health (Hessequa), Haemish Herwels on 083 678 6545 or e-mail haemish@gardenroute.gov.za.

ENDS