A food poisoning incident in Bronkhorstspruit has raised serious concerns about the safety of food sold to schoolchildren. At least 25 learners from Mshuluzane Mayisela Primary School in Zithobeni fell ill on Thursday after allegedly consuming snacks purchased from a spaza shop near the school.
The learners reportedly began experiencing body itching and stomach pains within 30 minutes of eating the snacks, causing alarm among teachers and parents. Gauteng’s MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, expressed grave concern about the incident and highlighted the urgent need for improved food safety measures around schools.
Emergency Response and Hospitalization
Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene and transported the sick learners to nearby healthcare facilities. According to Steve Mabona, Chiloane’s spokesperson, eight learners were admitted to Kungwini Clinic, while 17 were treated at Zithobeni Clinic.
Out of the 25 learners initially hospitalized, 22 have since been discharged after receiving medical treatment. However, two learners were taken to private medical facilities by their parents, and one child remains at Zithobeni Clinic under close observation. The condition of the remaining learner is being carefully monitored.
Law Enforcement and Health Authorities Investigate
The incident has triggered an investigation by law enforcement and health authorities, who are examining the products sold by the spaza shop and street vendors. Officials aim to identify the root cause of the food poisoning and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Mabona emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of food sold near schools:
“Our priority is the health and safety of our children, and we urge parents, guardians, and schools to be vigilant.”
Food Poisoning Incidents on the Rise
This recent case in Bronkhorstspruit is not an isolated incident. In the past few weeks, several similar cases of food poisoning have been reported in schools across South Africa:
- 47 pupils from Rapelego Primary School in Hammanskraal were hospitalized earlier this week after suffering from suspected foodborne illness.
- Last week, 35 learners from Makahlule Primary School in Malamulele, Limpopo, were rushed to a local hospital following another food poisoning outbreak.
- In Carletonville, 74 Grade 12 students were recently admitted to the district hospital after falling ill from contaminated food.
These alarming incidents have raised concerns among parents, educators, and community activists. Hendrick Makaneta, an education and social justice activist, called for government action to address the growing issue of food poisoning in public schools.
“We expect a thorough investigation, and the findings should be made public to hold those responsible accountable,” said Makaneta.
The Need for Safe Food Practices
In response to the incident, MEC Matome Chiloane urged parents, guardians, and schools to ensure children only consume safe and reliable food. He emphasized that the health and safety of learners remain the top priority for the education department. The spate of foodborne illnesses has drawn attention to the need for stricter food safety standards and regular monitoring of vendors operating near schools.
The education department has also pledged to work closely with law enforcement to ensure the products sold by vendors are safe for consumption. Authorities are determined to take decisive action to prevent further cases and protect learners from similar incidents in the future.
The food poisoning incident in Bronkhorstspruit highlights the urgent need for stricter oversight of food sold to learners. With more than 150 students hospitalized across the country in less than two months, it is clear that food safety issues in schools require immediate government intervention. Investigations into the cause of the illness are ongoing, and stakeholders are pushing for accountability and preventative measures to avoid further harm to schoolchildren.
The well-being of learners must remain a top priority, and parents and school communities are being called upon to stay vigilant. As the investigation unfolds, those found responsible must be held accountable to ensure that no child suffers from unsafe food again.
