Retail

Big blow to Pick n Pay’s Boxer

Daily Investor • 10 March 2025

City of Tshwane executive mayor Nasiphi Moya announced that Boxer Supermarket at Nkomo Village Mall in Atteridgeville has been shut down.

Moya and her team at the City of Tshwane Municipality have been inspecting retailers for compliance.

“As a municipality, we must check all businesses for compliance. Our visits include checking for hazardous materials, compliance with fire and health protocols,” she said.

Last week, she announced that the Boxer Supermarket at Nkomo Village Mall had been shut down for contravening operational compliance notices.

“This store has contravened three prior fine notices issued by the City’s by-law and health inspectors for operational compliance,” she said.

Moya explained that Boxer Supermarket had previously received a final notice, but it did not address the shortcomings.

“The compliance problems started in September 2024. It is now March 2025, and the store has still not complied,” she said.

“They don’t have a certificate of acceptability. The certificate is a requirement for a store that deals with food.”

“We get worried when big businesses don’t follow the law, placing profits ahead of public health.”

She added that if the Boxer Supermarket continues to contravene the important bylaws, they put people’s lives at risk.

“We are closing them down, which comes with conditions and timelines for compliance,” the City of Tshwane executive mayor said.

She said the Boxer Supermarket at Nkomo Village Mall would be allowed to open again as soon as they comply with the rules.

“We apologise to the residents. However, we do this because we have your health and welfare at heart,” she said.

Another blow to Pick n Pay

The Boxer Supermarket’s closure comes two weeks after the Blu Valley Pick ‘n Pay in Centurion was closed for non-compliance with health regulations.

The City of Tshwane’s MMC of Health, Councillor Blessing Tshego Oratilwe, said the Blu Valley Pick ‘n Pay failed dismally.

“Food pots without lids, scattered vegetables, and meat products stored at inappropriate temperatures were observed at Pick ‘n Pay,” Oratilwe said.

Following the inspection, the City of Tshwane announced that they have temporarily closed the Blu Valley Pick ‘n Pay in Centurion.

“We have shut down Pick ‘n Pay Blu Valley Centre in Centurion. We found several cockroaches where baking is conducted in-store,” Moya said.

She said there was no compliance with health regulations. “Our Municipal Health Services compliance book came in handy today,” she said.

“It is unlawful to have a storage and changing room for staff members in the same area where food is stored and assembled.”

Oratilwe added that, as a regulatory body, it is responsible for ensuring that even big businesses adhere to the law.

“The temporary closure of Pick n Pay serves as a reminder that compliance is essential for the safety and well-being of our community,” she said.

“We are committed to upholding the standards that protect our citizens and will work diligently to address any non-compliance issues.”

The Tshwane major said it was important for people who buy food from Blu Valley Pick ‘n Pay to know the conditions in which it is prepared.

She said the equipment used to produce baked goods was filthy and that the area had numerous cockroaches.

“At Pick n Pay, a sink that is supposed to be used for washing vegetables isn’t used for that purpose. Rotten vegetables are being repackaged for sale,” she said.

“Blu Valley Pick ‘n Pay has neglected their hygiene requirements, and we have revoked their license.”

Update – Comment from Boxer

Boxer Supermarket at Nkomo Village Mall is open. Reports of failure to comply with health or safety standards concerns are incorrect.

Boxer was already in the process of disputing a prior non-compliance notice regarding food-grade pallet storage, which is used on the shop floor to store dry groceries.

The Certificate of Acceptability application is rightfully pending the dispute outcome, but the store has permission to trade while it is under review by the Department of Health.

The City of Tshwane’s mayor closed the store on Friday before understanding these facts. The Department of Health quickly confirmed the error, and the store reopened within an hour.

Boxer has always prioritised the community, and health and safety remain a top priority for our team. All Boxer stores undergo regular independent inspections to ensure compliance.