Parliament, Thursday, 17 October 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Ms Joy Maimela, today expressed deep concern about the ever-increasing reports of learners falling ill due to suspected food poisoning after consuming snacks bought from informal vendors.
According to reports, a group of schoolchildren began showing symptoms of itching and stomach pains about 30 minutes after eating snacks this morning. The snacks were purchased from a street vendor near the primary school in Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit, east of Tshwane.
The Gauteng Department of Education said 25 learners were taken to medical facilities for treatment for suspected food poisoning. Since then, 22 have been discharged, two were taken to private medical facilities by their parents, and one is under medical observation.
“The committee has been monitoring this issue. Just this month alone, more than 100 learners were treated for suspected food poisoning. In most instances, it happens after purchasing snacks from informal vendors.
“We would like to appeal to parents rather to buy snacks for learners from reputable shops as the health and safety of your young ones are at stake,” said Ms Maimela.
She further called on schools to run awareness campaigns to keep learners vigilant regarding buying snacks like this. “The committee calls on the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the safety of the products sold and to prevent another incident. We need to take the health of our learners seriously. They are our future,” said Ms Maimela.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION, MS JOY MAIMELA
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
Tel: 021 403 8437
Cell: 081 703 9542
E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za
Arrange a tour