The Department of Basic Education has expressed concern about the increasing reports of food poisoning involving school children. The department said these incidents of food poising have disrupted teaching and learning as most of the cases affected learners during school hours. In all the reported cases the learners have consumed items bought from vendors and spaza shops in an around schools. “As a result, school time has been directed towards assisting the affected learners with medical attention. In addition, the psycho-social impact of such incidents continues to have negative effects on both the learners and teachers. Schools and communities in general are places where our young children should feel and be safe,” said the department spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga. Six learners recently died in Naledi, Soweto, after they consumed snacks purchased from a local spaza shops, while others were admitted in hospital. There’s been similar cases reported in some parts of the country like Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape provinces. Although some media reports have incorrectly attributed the food poisoning incidents to the National School Nutrition Programme, no evidence has been found in this regard. Mhlanga dismissed some media reports that the linking the food poisoning the department’s National School Nutrition Programme. “It is a key pillar of Care & Support for Teaching and Learning that seeks to address barriers to teaching and learning, to enhance the learning capacity and give access to education for learners in targeted public primary, secondary and identified special schools. The programme provides nutritious meals to 9.7 million learners on school days. Total budget is R9,8 billion allocated for the 2024/25 financial year,” explained Mhlanga. He highlighted that the department would intensify its efforts to improve food safety, hygiene practices and to raise awareness. The department applauded the work being done by various government departments and other organs of state to address the matter.
