Cape Town - Since September, the country has recorded at least 890 incidents of foodborne illnesses.
Justice Minister Thembisile Simelane announced the classification of food-borne illnesses as a national disaster during a media briefing yesterday in Pretoria, joined by several ministers tasked with implementing the national response and interventions announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on November 15.
Simelane expressed concern over allegations of South Africans assisting illegal foreign nationals to fraudulently comply with the requirements for the registration of their small business or spaza shops.
âThis is clear fronting, and we would like to warn everyone who is involved in this illegal activity to stop. The Immigration Act prohibits any person from aiding, abetting, assisting or enabling an illegal foreigner to obtain a licence on his or her behalf, to conduct any business or carry on any profession or occupation.â
There were also allegations about government officials involved in fraudulent and corrupt activities in the registration process of small businesses and spaza shops.
âThe law-enforcement agencies will clamp-down heavily on extortionists who want to use this process to enrich themselves. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected corrupt activities through the National Anti-Corruption Hotline 0800 701 701.â
A team of health experts will be appointed to serve in the Ministerial Advisory Committee.
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