The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) will hold a two-day inquiry into the alleged sale of “fake” or expired food at foreign-owned shops. The Times reports that the probe follows a backlash in the form of looting and unrest at spaza shops owned by foreign nationals in and around Soweto.
“Following careful assessment of the reports and site visit to Soweto‚ the commission has determined that it will hold an inquiry as part of its investigation into the possible human rights violations that arise as a result of the alleged manufacture and sale of fake and/or expired goods‚” the commission said.
The report says the inquiry will go ahead despite the Health Department earlier stating that it had not found any “fake” food after a series of inspections of more than 400 small shops countrywide.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi is quoted as saying last week: “There is no plastic rice or bread that won’t dissolve in water.”
However‚ the report says, more than 100 shops were closed – either because the owners did not have the correct documents to run them or they were residing in the country illegally.
The commission urged members of surrounding communities and shop owners to make written submissions to it.
[link url="https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2018-09-10-human-rights-commission-to-hold-inquiry-into-fake-food-after-soweto-protests/"]The Times report[/link]