The Public Protector's report reveals that Gauteng's food safety system is fundamentally compromised due to systemic governance failures, corruption, and weak enforcement.

Despite measures taken after the 2024 food poisoning crisis that killed 23 children, including six in Soweto, the province still lacks capacity to enforce food safety laws.The report highlights non-compliance rates as low as 5% in Ekurhuleni, with three unlicensed spaza shops for every licensed one.Corruption and business fronting by foreign nationals are cited as major contributors, with 56% of registered spaza shops operated by foreigners.Environmental Health Practitioner shortages further hinder inspections, and schools in the National Nutrition Programme lack proper infrastructure.

The report urges strengthened coordination, increased staffing, and stricter oversight to address these failures, which leave communities vulnerable to future outbreaks.