For many University of Pretoria (UP) students, spaza shops and informal food vendors provide an affordable and convenient alternative to campus cafeterias and mainstream retailers. Whether it is grabbing a quick kota or a packet of chips, students rely on these vendors to sustain them through long days of lectures and study sessions. But how often do students consider the safety and quality of the food they consume?
PDBY spoke to Mahlako Petja, a final-year BSc Chemistry student who said, “I purchase food from the local vendors at least once a week.” On Mondays, she often goes to Haloa Café for coffee since she believes that food around campus is properly regulated. She further shared that she has “never heard of or experienced any food poisoning”.
Across South Africa, there have been reports of food-borne illnesses linked to unregulated vendors often due to issues like improper food storage, counterfeit products, or even a lack of hygienic practices. Although no major incidents have been linked to UP, the concern remains: how do students know which vendors or shops to trust? A walk around Hatfield reveals a variety of food options, with lesser-known tuck shops having an operating doctor inside. These stores, often located just outside campus gates, provide budget friendly snacks and meals. However, many of these businesses do not have an online presence, making it hard to verify their legitimacy or whether they adhere to food safety standards or not. Unlike campus cafeterias, which fall under UP’s operational oversight, these external vendors are not directly monitored by the university. This raises the question: should UP play a role in educating students about food safety beyond gates?
Students make their food choices based on several factors. Many students think like Petja, who said that “for me, it is about taste, price, and hygiene”. Therefore, students use their personal judgment rather than official guidelines when deciding where to eat. But is this enough? In the absence of university oversight for off-campus food vendors, students must remain vigilant about what and where they eat. Checking food labels, observing hygiene practices, and purchasing from trusted vendors can go a long way in preventing potential health risks. While there may not be an immediate crisis, the conversation about food safety remains relevant because every bite counts.
