The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Thembeni KaMadlopa-Mthethwa, in her capacity as the MEC Champion for uMkhanyakude District Municipality, has been joined by law enforcement agencies that include SAPS and Traffic Officers, Immigration Officers and Home Affairs in her bid to inspect spaza shops around Hluhluwe and the nearby township Phumlani, under the Big 5 Hlabisa Local Municipality.

The inspection is aimed at ensuring compliance with health, safety and business regulations as part of the government's efforts to safeguard community well-being. A number of commodities, including water and other beverages, were seized because they had expired or had inaccurate barcodes. The inspections are ongoing.