RISE Mzansi has implored Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa to establish systems to deter and prevent politicians and officials from exploiting the recently declared national disaster by looting public funds.

The party also wants Hlabisa to provide regular updates on the effect of the declaration and what State resources have been directed toward the operation.

“It is therefore vital that there is full transparency around all resources directed towards giving full effect to the declaration,” said National Assembly RISE Mzansi Caucus Whip Makashule Gana.

South Africa’s National Disaster Management Centre on Thursday declared foodborne illnesses a national disaster in response to countrywide sicknesses and deaths, particularly of children, in recent weeks.

The declaration was made under the Disaster Management Act, No. 57 of 2002.

Gana said the declaration was a welcome step, which he said would ensure that “all hands were on deck” to deal with the crisis, which had claimed the lives of 22 people, with 890 reported cases.

He pointed out that the declaration allowed for an integrated and coordinated programme of action and the release of State resources to ensure that the country found the cause of this crisis, and contributing factors.

“With all hands on deck to manage this crisis there must be a further intensification that will result in the inspection of all outlets selling foodstuffs, including wholesalers and manufacturers. Moreover, the South African Police Service must open inquest dockets on all the deaths that are suspected to emanate from food poisoning and poisoned food,” he said.

RISE Mzansi reiterated its call for an aggressive food safety campaign that included the establishment of a hotline for suspected or known sales of expired or counterfeit goods.

The hotline number and other educational material must be prominently displayed at all spaza shops, restaurants and wholesalers, Gana suggested.