South Africa's National Disaster Management Centre has, in terms of Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002, classified the recent uptick in foodborne illnesses across the country as a national disaster, Cape town Etc reports.
According to a South African Government media release, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Thembi Simelane announced this at a media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday.
A spate of foodborne illnesses this year has claimed 22 lives, including children, and left many others hospitalised.
Since September this year, at least 890 incidents of foodborne illnesses have been reported.
The president addressed the nation on the governments response to the recurring instances of foodborne illnesses.
