SADTU is disturbed at the rising numbers of food poisoning cases among learners

18 October 2024

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union is deeply disturbed by the alarming increase in the number of food poisoning cases involving learners in the month of October following the tragic death of six children aged between 6 and 10 from Naledi, Soweto after they  allegedly ate poisoned snacks bought from a local spaza shop. 

In the past eight days we have witnessed an increase in the number of food poisoning cases involving learners. These include the following:

- Today (17 October), 25 Mshuluzane Mayisela primary school learners at Zithobeni Township in Bronkhorspruit were taken to various medical facilities after they complained of stomach cramps and itching. They had allegedly eaten snacks bought from street vendors outside the school.

- On 16 October, 25 learners from Marhagi Secondary School in VerenaMpumalanga were admitted at the KwaMhlanga Hospital after they complained of having stomach cramps, headaches and some vomited. The learners had allegedly eaten atchar they bought from a vendor outside the school.

- On 16 October, 47 learners from Rapelego Primary School at New Eesterust in Hammanskraal had to receive medical attention when they experienced abdominal and stomach pains and difficulty when breathing after they allegedly ate expired chocolates.

- On 10 October, 74 Grade 12 learners from various schools from Kokosi, Khutsong and Wedela who were attending a Matric camp at Fochville Secondary School were taken to Carletonville District Hospital following a suspected food poisoning.

- On 09 October, 35 learners from Makahlule Primary School in Malamulele were treated and discharged at Malamulele Hospital for suspected food poisoning after they complained of stomach cramps, headaches and were vomiting.

We commend the teachers from these schools and the officials from the Department of Education in the provinces affected for responding promptly to the plight of the learners and ensuring that they receive medical attention.

These incidents highlight the need for permanent psychosocial services in our schools to assist the learners as well as the teachers when such incidents occur.  

Local government needs to play an active role in ensuring that spaza shops and vendors are constantly monitored to ensure compliance with food handling. They also need to embark on education and advocacy campaigns teaching communities, vendors and spaza shop owners on food handling and safety.

We urge the Department of Basic Education, through the National School Nutrition programme to invest in food handlers in schools who are employed by School Government Bodies by ensuring that they receive proper training on food safety, food handling, have proper infrastructure and resources to handle, cook and serve hygienic food to the learners.

Issued by Nomusa Cembi, Media Officer, SADTU, 18 October 2024