DA urges GDE to vet school vendors to ensure learners' safety

20 October 2023

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng reiterates its call for the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to urgently vet and regulate vendors selling inside and outside the school premises across the province to ensure the safety of learners.

In a recent incident, learners fell ill after buying simba chips outside the Reimolotswe Primary School in Winterveldt and at Tlotlo Mpho Primary School in Gwa- Rankuwa learners were rushed to hospital after eating snacks bought from a vendor outside the school.

The learners were rushed to a nearby clinic for medical attention. These incidents of children getting sick after consuming food bought from vendors operating outside the school are prevalent.

It is high time that GDE establishes a proper system in place to vet anyone who sells food outside and on the school premises.

Last month, at least 90 learners fell ill due to alleged food poisoning after they allegedly ate 'space cakes’ bought from a vendor outside the school.

Gauteng schools lack a functional vetting process for vendors to ensure that learners are sold safe, hygienic, and healthy food.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) will continue to pressure the department to implement the vetting process for all vendors trading outside the school premises across the province to protect the learners from drugs and food poisoning.

Issued by Sergio dos Santos, DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Education, 20 October 2023