Tshwane Mayor Celebrates Pick n Pay Reeds’ Swift Health Compliance Turnaround

Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya praises Pick n Pay Reeds in Centurion for quickly addressing health violations that led to fines and a closure order, as city inspectors lift the prohibition notice, signaling a victory for public safety and business accountability in South Africa’s capital.

Pretoria, South Africa – March 5, 2025 – Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya has lauded Pick n Pay Reeds for its rapid response to health violations that prompted fines and a temporary closure, marking a significant step forward in ensuring public safety in the capital. In a post on X on March 4, Moya announced that the supermarket’s Centurion branch is now fully compliant with health regulations, leading city inspectors to lift the prohibition notice that had shuttered the store earlier this year.

The turnaround comes after a high-profile inspection in February, when Moya, alongside Tshwane’s health officials, discovered serious breaches at the Blue Valley Centre location, including the presence of cockroaches in food preparation areas and non-compliance with sanitation standards. The findings, publicized in a widely shared video, prompted immediate action, including fines and a closure order under the city’s stringent health bylaws. “We found several cockroaches where baking is conducted in store. There’s no compliance with health regulations,” Moya said at the time, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Pick n Pay Reeds, however, moved swiftly to address the issues, investing in deep cleaning, pest control, staff retraining, and infrastructure upgrades. Photos shared by Moya on X show a transformed store, with clear signage reading “Pick n Pay The Reeds OPEN” and a clean, orderly interior welcoming customers back. “Congratulations to @PicknPay Reeds for swiftly resolving the recent fines issued against them,” Moya wrote. “Our health inspectors have confirmed their premises are now compliant and have lifted the prohibition notice.”

The development has been met with relief and cautious optimism from residents and business leaders alike. “I was worried about shopping there after hearing about the cockroaches, but now I feel safe again,” said Centurion local Thabo Ndlovu, who frequents the store. Tshwane’s Member of Mayoral Committee for Health, Blessing Tshego Oratilwe, praised the collaboration, noting that the city’s rigorous enforcement and Pick n Pay’s accountability set a precedent for other businesses. “This shows what can happen when we work together for public health,” Oratilwe said.

The incident and its resolution highlight broader challenges facing South Africa’s retail sector, where health and safety standards are often tested by operational pressures and infrastructure issues. Just weeks ago, other major chains faced similar scrutiny, but Pick n Pay’s response has been hailed as a model of corporate responsibility. “They didn’t drag their feet—they acted, and that’s what matters,” said retail analyst Sipho Khumalo. However, some critics, including social media users, questioned whether the swift fix was influenced by external pressures, with one X commenter asking, “They didn’t give you bribes mara?” Moya firmly denied any impropriety, replying, “No, they didn’t.”

For Pick n Pay, the episode is a chance to rebuild trust. The company issued a statement thanking Tshwane’s health team and reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the highest standards. “We take these matters seriously and have implemented robust measures to ensure ongoing compliance,” the statement read. The store’s reopening, marked by a steady stream of customers on Tuesday, signals a return to normalcy—but also a reminder of the vigilance required to protect public health.

Moya’s leadership in this case has drawn praise, building on her reputation for tackling municipal challenges head-on. Since taking office, she has led crackdowns on illegal spaza shops, improved road maintenance, and launched clean-up initiatives, earning accolades for good governance. Yet, the Pick n Pay Reeds episode also exposes ongoing gaps in oversight, with some residents calling for regular inspections across all businesses in Tshwane.

As shoppers return to Pick n Pay Reeds, the story serves as both a cautionary tale and a success story. For Moya and the City of Tshwane, it’s a victory for public safety—but also a call to ensure no other store falls into such disrepair. “This isn’t just about one supermarket; it’s about protecting our people,” Moya said. With the prohibition notice lifted, the focus now shifts to sustaining that commitment, one inspection at a time.