By Karabo Marifi
Mpumalanga, South Africa – In a deeply concerning incident, 24 primary school learners from Enzani Primary in Matsulu were urgently transported to Rob Ferreira Hospital in Nelspruit after allegedly consuming snacks from a local spaza shop near their school. This event, which unfolded on Thursday, follows a growing number of similar cases across the country, sparking national concern about food safety in South African schools.
The Mpumalanga Department of Education confirmed that the learners, aged between 6 and 12, began displaying symptoms of food poisoning, such as severe stomach cramps and vomiting, shortly after consuming the snacks. Authorities reported that all affected students are in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. However, investigations are ongoing to identify the exact cause of their illness and whether it is linked to expired or contaminated food products sold outside the school premises.
A Broader National Concern
This incident is not isolated. Across South Africa, reports of children falling ill after consuming food from informal vendors or spaza shops have been rising at an alarming rate. Just last week, similar cases were reported in Gauteng and Limpopo, with over 60 learners being hospitalised due to suspected food poisoning from spaza shop purchases. For example, 25 pupils from Mshuluzane Mayisela Primary School in Bronkhorstspruit showed symptoms of severe itching and stomach pain after eating snacks bought near the school, resulting in their hospitalisation .
In another incident in Hammanskraal, 47 students from Rapelego Primary School were rushed to the hospital after consuming food items bought from vendors, intensifying concerns about the health risks posed by unsupervised food sales around schools. Health experts and activists are now calling for stricter regulations on what food vendors are allowed to sell near school premises and more robust monitoring of spaza shop products .
The Education Department Responds
Mpumalanga’s Department of Education has expressed deep concern over the situation. Speaking to the media, department spokesperson Gerald Sambo highlighted the importance of community involvement in safeguarding the well-being of learners. “It’s not only the responsibility of the department but also the entire community. Parents, school management teams, and school governing bodies (SGBs) must be vigilant about what children consume, both inside and outside school premises,” Sambo stated.
He further added that the department is coordinating closely with the Department of Health to ensure that thorough investigations are conducted. The department is also initiating educational campaigns in schools to raise awareness among learners about the dangers of buying food from unregulated vendors. “We cannot allow these incidents to continue. We need collaborative efforts to ensure food safety, especially for our children,” Sambo concluded.
Health Authorities Launch Investigation
The provincial Department of Health has initiated a full-scale investigation to determine the root cause of the outbreak. Initial tests are being conducted on the suspected food items, and health inspectors are working with local law enforcement to assess the safety standards of the spaza shops in the area.
Local communities have expressed frustration with the recurrence of these incidents, with some calling for the closure of spaza shops that fail to meet health regulations. Community leader Thabo Mokoena said, “We need these businesses to be regulated strictly. Our children’s lives are at risk, and this can’t continue. The government needs to act fast.”
Growing Calls for Regulatory Action
Education and social justice activists, including Hendrick Makaneta, have been vocal about the need for immediate intervention. Makaneta stressed that the situation is spiralling out of control, noting that over 150 students have been hospitalised in the last two months due to food poisoning incidents in schools across the country.
“We need to hold these vendors accountable. The government must enforce stricter health regulations for spaza shops and street vendors. It’s unacceptable that this keeps happening, and those responsible must face the consequences,” said Makaneta .
In response to these concerns, local municipalities have started conducting inspections of food vendors near schools. However, activists argue that more needs to be done to protect vulnerable children from consuming potentially harmful food items.
Community Reaction and Parental Concerns
Parents of the affected children have voiced their concerns, with some calling for better enforcement of food safety regulations around schools. Many fear for the safety of their children, especially given the frequency of these incidents.
One parent, whose child was hospitalised in Matsulu, shared her fears, “My child is in Grade 3, and this is terrifying. You send your kids to school expecting them to be safe, but now we have to worry about what they are eating. Something must change.”
Schools have also begun urging parents to prepare packed lunches for their children instead of relying on vendors, a sentiment echoed by the Department of Education.
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