By Thabo Mosia
Bloemfontein, South Africa — The Free State is facing a rising crisis of counterfeit and expired food products infiltrating local tuck shops and informal vendors, posing severe health risks to school learners and the general public. The Free State MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Ketso Makume, has expressed grave concerns over the health hazards associated with these illicit products, following recent incidents that have led to several learners being hospitalised for suspected food poisoning. The government is now intensifying its efforts to protect public health, cracking down on unsafe food practices through increased inspections and a call for stricter compliance.
Alarming Rise in Food Poisoning Cases Among Learners
In the past few weeks, several cases of foodborne illnesses linked to contaminated and counterfeit food have been reported across the Free State, particularly affecting young learners. The incidents have raised widespread alarm, with dozens of children from schools such as Ihobe Primary School in Bloemfontein and Daluvuyo Primary School in Thabong, Welkom, experiencing severe stomach cramps and other symptoms after consuming snacks from nearby vendors.
On 6 November 2024, 49 learners from Daluvuyo Primary School were rushed to Bongani Regional Hospital after allegedly consuming contaminated food bought from hawkers. While 46 of the learners were discharged, three remained hospitalised for further observation. Similarly, at Ihobe Primary School, an initial 21 learners sought medical attention at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in Bloemfontein, with numbers rising to 47 as more students reported symptoms.
Government’s Response: Blitz Inspections and Stricter Regulations
MEC Ketso Makume has committed to tackling the issue head-on, promising intensified “blitz inspections” across various tuck shops, wholesalers, and food manufacturers suspected of selling harmful products. These surprise inspections aim to identify vendors selling expired, counterfeit, or unhygienic food items and bring them to justice. “While we urge our communities not to take the law into their hands, we have to act swiftly on allegations of tuck-shops and wholesalers selling expired and counterfeit food products to the public,” said MEC Makume.
The Free State Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s Consumer Protection Directorate has been mobilised to work in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and other government departments. Together, they aim to curb the sale of counterfeit food items, which have been found to contain fake labels from established brands, misleading consumers and compromising health.
Counterfeit Food Products: A Growing Threat
Counterfeit food products have increasingly infiltrated local markets, with many originating from countries like Turkey, Zambia, Pakistan, and China. These items often bear fake labels or barcodes, creating an illusion of legitimacy but failing to meet health and safety standards. In some cases, barcodes on products have been found to either be unregistered or inaccurately labelled, raising questions about their origin and safety.
MEC Makume highlighted the severe dangers posed by these counterfeit products, noting that they not only endanger lives but also deprive the government of revenue that could otherwise be invested in public services. “Counterfeit food poses danger to people’s lives, and it deprives the government of crucial revenue that could have been invested in public services,” he added. Furthermore, the influx of unsafe foods could deter potential investors from contributing to the Free State’s economic growth.
Legislative Backing: The Free State Integrated Local Economic Development and Transformation Act of 2024
To strengthen regulatory enforcement, the Free State government is leveraging the recently implemented Free State Integrated Local Economic Development and Transformation Act of 2024. This legislation provides a framework for promoting local economic development while prioritising public safety through strict business ownership and licensing regulations.
The Act empowers the government to regulate ownership of certain business categories, implement licensing requirements, and mandate that state organs exclusively procure locally produced commodities. This approach aims to ensure that businesses operating within the province adhere to both economic and health standards, benefiting local citizens and reducing reliance on imported goods of questionable quality.
Health Department and Hospital Updates on Affected Learners
The Free State Department of Health has been providing regular updates on the condition of learners hospitalised due to suspected food poisoning. At Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital, children from Ihobe Primary School were initially admitted with symptoms such as stomach cramps. Although medical staff reported that no learners exhibited vomiting or diarrhoea, they were closely monitored for any signs of escalation.
As of the latest update, the tally of affected learners had increased to 47, with only four students remaining at Pelonomi Hospital for further observation. Meanwhile, one learner from Toka Primary School in Bloemfontein was admitted after reportedly consuming a snack known as “mazimba,” underscoring the widespread nature of the issue.
Education and Community Leaders Address the Crisis
In response to the alarming rise in food-related illnesses, Free State Education MEC Dr. MJ Maboya and Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality Mayor, Cllr. Gregory Nthatisi, visited Ihobe Primary School to show support and assess the situation firsthand. The joint visit underscored the government’s commitment to addressing food safety concerns within school environments.
During the visit, Free State Education Department spokesperson Howard Ndaba urged parents and guardians to be vigilant about the sources of food consumed by learners. He encouraged schools to work closely with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and law enforcement agencies to monitor vendors and ensure they comply with health standards.
The ANC’s Stand on Food Safety and Community Health
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Free State has also issued a statement expressing concern over the rise in food poisoning cases among schoolchildren. Free State ANC Provincial Secretary Polediso Motsoeneng condemned the sale of contaminated food to learners, warning that the party would not tolerate actions that endanger young lives. “These cases are of great concern to us because children are the most affected. Those who harm our children are declaring war against us because they are putting the future of our country in danger,” he stated.
Motsoeneng further highlighted the prevalence of informal shops operating from RDP houses and home garages, which often evade health inspections and regulatory oversight. He urged community members to avoid purchasing consumables from such establishments, as they may not meet basic safety standards.
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