W&RSETA Food Safety Programme
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Project Name: W&RSETA Food Safety Programme
Project Description:
The W&RSETA Food Safety Programme was implemented as a nationwide initiative aimed at addressing food safety challenges within the informal trading sector, particularly among spaza shops and other informal food enterprises. This initiative is a collaboration between government and the private sector, with the Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&RSETA) appointing implementing partners across the country to equip informal traders with essential knowledge and practical skills related to food safety, hygiene, and regulatory compliance.
SMPC Solutions was appointed as an implementing partner responsible for delivering the programme in the Northwest Province, specifically within the JB Marks, City of Matlosana, and Maquassi Hills Local Municipalities. The programme targeted 500 informal traders across these municipalities, with the objective of improving food handling practices, strengthening compliance with food safety requirements, and contributing to public health protection.
Key Deliverables included:
- Recruitment and of informal traders across the targeted municipalities
- Delivery of food safety and hygiene training aligned with relevant regulatory requirements
- Facilitation of training sessions at accessible community-based venues
- Stakeholder coordination to support programme implementation across municipalities
- Capacity building for informal traders to improve operational sustainability and compliance
Outcomes:
- Successfully trained over 500 informal traders, exceeding the initial programme target
- Improved awareness and adoption of food safety and hygiene best practices among participants
- Strengthened understanding of food safety regulations and compliance obligations
- Expanded programme reach through the inclusion of an additional training session in Jouberton
- Improved accessibility through programme delivery across 10 community-based training venues
Impact:
The programme strengthened the capacity of informal food traders by equipping them with practical, immediately applicable food safety knowledge and skills. This contributed to safer food handling practices, improved regulatory awareness, and enhanced public health outcomes within local communities. The successful implementation of the programme also demonstrated SMPC Solutions’ ability to deliver large-scale community-based training initiatives effectively while supporting inclusive economic participation and the sustainability of informal enterprises.
