Gauteng Education Dept concerned about number of food poisoning cases reported in schools! The Gauteng Department of Education has expressed growing concern over the recent surge in food poisoning incidents reported in schools across the province.
This urgent call for action comes in the wake of multiple alarming cases involving schoolchildren, including the hospitalization of 16 pupils from Emmangweni Primary School in Tembisa, and the tragic deaths of six children in Soweto earlier in October.
Emmangweni Primary School Incident
On Wednesday, a troubling incident unfolded at Emmangweni Primary School, where 16 pupils fell ill after consuming atchar—a traditional South African pickled condiment—purchased from two fellow students. After eating the atchar, the students reportedly experienced severe symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, prompting an emergency response that saw them rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
The pupils, aged between 11 and 15, bought the atchar from two Grade 7 learners, who were allegedly selling it on behalf of a member of the Community Work Programme. The exact source of contamination is still under investigation, but the swift onset of illness has heightened concerns over the safety of food being sold or brought into schools.
A String of Recent Cases
This incident is just the latest in a disturbing trend of foodborne illnesses affecting schoolchildren in Gauteng. In a far more tragic case, six children in Soweto lost their lives earlier this month, also as a result of suspected food poisoning. Although the precise cause of the Soweto deaths has not yet been confirmed, the Gauteng Department of Education has vowed to take these cases seriously and is working closely with health authorities to identify and address the root causes of these food safety issues.
The growing number of such cases has prompted the department to raise the alarm and demand immediate action to protect learners from further harm.
A Call for Urgent Solutions
Steve Mabona, spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education, emphasized the urgency of finding solutions to prevent future incidents of food poisoning in schools. Speaking on behalf of Education MEC Matome Chiloane, Mabona expressed deep concern over the rising frequency of foodborne illnesses among schoolchildren.
“The MEC has indicated that he is deeply troubled by the increasing number of foodborne illness cases reported in our schools. The health and safety of our learners is our highest priority,” said Mabona. “We are working closely with authorities to fully investigate the cause of this incident and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.”
The department is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the source of the contaminated atchar sold at Emmangweni Primary School, as well as reviewing policies related to food safety in schools to prevent further tragedies.
Food Safety in Schools Under Scrutiny
The recent string of food poisoning cases has brought food safety in South African schools into the spotlight. Many schools across the country have informal tuck shops or allow learners to sell snacks and small meals, but with little oversight, the risk of foodborne illnesses has become a growing concern. In light of these events, experts and education officials are calling for stricter regulations around the preparation and sale of food on school premises.
School tuck shops and vendors may need to undergo regular health inspections, and learners, parents, and school staff may require education on food hygiene to minimize risks. Parents are also being urged to exercise caution when purchasing food for their children or allowing them to buy food from unofficial sources.
A Collaborative Approach
In response to these recent incidents, the Gauteng Department of Education is partnering with health officials to investigate the causes of these food poisoning cases and devise strategies to safeguard students’ health going forward. Additionally, schools have been encouraged to engage with local communities, educating them on the dangers of foodborne illnesses and promoting good hygiene practices.
The department also aims to introduce tighter controls over what food can be sold on school grounds, as well as work with law enforcement to identify and hold accountable those responsible for distributing contaminated food.
A Call for Vigilance
As investigations continue, the Gauteng Department of Education is urging parents, teachers, and communities to remain vigilant about the safety of the food their children consume. Authorities have reassured the public that every effort is being made to prevent further foodborne illness cases, but they stress that collaboration between schools, parents, and local health agencies is key to ensuring the safety of learners across the province.
In the wake of these incidents, it is clear that protecting the health of schoolchildren must become a top priority, and urgent action is needed to prevent more lives from being endangered by unsafe food.