Orange Farm School Community in Mourning After Learner Dies from Suspected Contaminated Spaza Shop Snacks
Spaza shop snacks kill yet another child: A heart-wrenching tragedy has shaken the Orange Farm community in Gauteng following the death of a Grade 10 learner allegedly linked to snacks bought from a local spaza shop. The incident has reignited urgent conversations around food safety and the regulation of informal vendors near schools.
A Community in Grief
The learner, who attended Orange Farm Secondary School, reportedly bought snacks from an informal spaza shop near her home. After consuming the snacks, she fell violently ill and was rushed to a nearby clinic. Sadly, she was certified dead on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
News of the incident reached the school on Monday, July 1, sparking alarm among teachers, parents, and learners.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane responded swiftly, offering condolences to the family and the school. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, the school community and all those affected by this tragic incident,” said Chiloane in a public statement.
MEC Chiloane Urges Vigilance
Following the learner’s death, MEC Chiloane issued a stern warning to parents, learners, and communities about the risks of purchasing food from unauthorised or unregulated spaza shops. He reiterated that such outlets often operate without necessary health and safety inspections, putting young lives at risk.
“It is unfortunate that we are still experiencing tragic outcomes from the consumption of unauthorised or unverified food items. We urge communities to be more cautious, and protect our children from avoidable harm, especially from unauthorised spaza shops,” Chiloane stated.
A Larger Problem: Informal Food Vendors Near Schools
This is not the first time unregulated food has been linked to severe health consequences. In townships and lower-income areas, informal spaza shops often serve as a quick and accessible solution for learners with limited lunch options. However, the absence of food safety compliance and quality control continues to threaten public health.
Experts have urged authorities to:
- Conduct routine inspections of spaza shops near schools
- Educate communities on safe food practices
- Encourage schools to offer more reliable feeding schemes or vetted snack vendors
Previous Tragedy Highlights Safety Concerns
The department is already grappling with another recent incident: the fatal stabbing of a Grade 11 learner. According to reports, a Grade 12 learner, who was absent from school that day, returned during after-school hours and allegedly attacked the victim outside the school yard.
The student was rushed to Lethabong Healthcare Clinic, where he was declared dead on arrival. This case too has highlighted the pressing need for safety protocols in and around school premises.
What Now? A Call for Proactive Change
Both tragedies—the snack-related death and the stabbing—have intensified calls for comprehensive learner safety. From better food monitoring near schools to tightening security at school entrances, the Department of Education has been urged to act decisively.
Parents are also encouraged to:
- Talk to their children about food safety
- Avoid sending them to buy from unregulated shops
- Support community campaigns promoting safe school environments
The tragic passing of a young learner over something as seemingly harmless as a snack is a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities South African students face daily. As Gauteng processes this devastating event, one thing is clear: change is overdue. Informal vendors, especially those operating near schools, must be regulated, and learner safety must become a national priority.
