Acting Gauteng Premier Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has called on property owners leasing garages and homes to spaza shop operators to intensify monitoring of the goods sold on their premises. This plea follows a tragic series of child deaths in the province, suspected to be caused by food contamination. Reports indicate that the affected children exhibited symptoms such as vomiting, body aches, and sudden chest pains after consuming snacks allegedly purchased from local spaza shops.

In response to the rising incidents of foodborne illnesses, the Gauteng provincial government is ramping up efforts to address food safety concerns. As part of these measures, authorities are urging vendors to strictly adhere to food safety, disinfectant, and labeling standards to ensure consumer protection.

University of Limpopo Faces Backlash Over Student Deregistration

The University of Limpopo is under scrutiny for deregistering two master’s students close to graduation, with critics condemning the decision as unwarranted. In early 2023, Philisiwe Cele and Ntando Mnguni were informed that their enrollment in the master’s program in information sciences would be terminated for failing to meet admission criteria. However, both students had already been studying at UL for two years.

The matter has since escalated to the Limpopo High Court, where Cele and Mnguni appealed to have the deregistration overturned. The university defended its action, pointing to a disclaimer in the acceptance letter that allows it to terminate a student’s registration if necessary. However, the students’ legal representative argued that this clause obligates the university to act within a reasonable timeframe, a stipulation the institution allegedly overlooked.

Dali Mpofu Quits EFF to Join Zuma’s MK Party

In a notable shift in South African politics, former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Chairperson Advocate Dali Mpofu has left the party to join Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party. Speaking on SABC’s Morning Live, Mpofu explained that he sees the MK Party as a more authentic proponent of black unity and progressive values, a vision he believes aligns better with his own ideals.

Mpofu expressed dissatisfaction with the Government of National Unity (GNU), which he views as a departure from South Africa’s liberation objectives. He voiced confidence in the MK Party’s mission, describing it as the ideal path for fostering national cohesion and advocating progressive unity. Although committed to his new party, Mpofu stated he remains connected to other political movements across South Africa.