Zuko Komisa
The Gauteng department of education has instructed all state schools to stop selling food at or around their properties until further notice due to the recent increase in incidents of foodborne illnesses affecting learners across the province.
According to the Department, schools and SGBs should send out a circular to parents urging them to cook at home rather than giving lunch money, “until the relevant authorities issue updated guidelines for food vendors,” in order to further ensure the safety of students.
Schools are urged to collaborate with small business groups, education stakeholders, and community organizations in order to stop more food-borne illness cases, according to Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane.
A suspected food-borne infection caused nausea and vertigo in 16 students at Emmangweni Primary School in Tembisa in October.
Earlier this week, at least 110 pupils from Tamaho Primary School in Katlehong were rushed to hospital after falling ill from a suspected food-borne illness.
“To further protect the safety of pupils, schools and school governing bodies are advised to issue a circular to parents encouraging them to prepare meals at home instead of providing lunch money until the relevant authorities issue updated guidelines for food vendors,” said Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane.
“Additionally, schools are encouraged to engage community organisations, education stakeholders and small business associations to foster collaborative efforts aimed at preventing further incidents of foodborne illness.” said the Gauteng department of education
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