Free State Education Department
By Thabo Mosia
The Free State Education Department has imposed a ban on the sale of snacks and food items by non-school-managed vendors in and around school premises. This suspension aims to curb the spread of foodborne illnesses, which have left over 100 learners hospitalised across the province in recent weeks.
Confirmed Food Poisoning Cases Across Schools
The Free State Department of Health has been on high alert following a spike in suspected food poisoning cases since early November. As of Monday, 11 November 2024, Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the Free State Department of Health, confirmed that all children admitted to hospitals due to food poisoning had been discharged. However, the department remains vigilant, urging parents and communities to stay alert to the sources of food consumed by children.
The initial incidents were reported on Wednesday, 6 November, when 45 learners from Daluvuyo Primary School in Welkom experienced severe symptoms, including rashes and itching, after consuming snacks purchased from local street vendors. The students received treatment at Bongani Regional Hospital, with all but one 10-year-old male being discharged. The remaining learner is still receiving care for unrelated ailments aggravated by the poisoning.
The following day, Thursday, 7 November, saw another outbreak, this time at Ihobe Primary School in Bloemfontein. Forty-seven learners were admitted to Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital after eating chocolates and snacks, with two children remaining under treatment. In another incident in Bloemfontein, a 10-year-old girl from Toka Primary School was also treated and discharged the same day. Similar cases emerged at Mooifontein School in Zastron, where 15 learners exhibited symptoms of food poisoning, with one female learner, aged 16, still admitted to Embekweni District Hospital.
Government Steps in to Mitigate Further Outbreaks
The rapid escalation of these cases prompted the Free State Education Department to suspend all non-school-managed food vending activities on and around school grounds. The decision aligns with similar actions taken by the Gauteng Education Department and reflects the government’s growing concern over the food safety standards around schools.
Dr Mantlhake Julia Maboya, the Free State MEC for Education, highlighted the urgency of these measures. “The incidents have raised significant concern, with learners from multiple schools in districts such as Lejweleputswa, Motheo, Thabo Mofutsanyana, and Xhariep requiring medical attention and hospitalisation after consuming items purchased from local vendors,” she stated. Dr Maboya added that while school-owned tuck shops and vendors who operate under strict supervision by school governing bodies are exempted, they must adhere to stringent safety protocols.
Collaborative Efforts with Law Enforcement and Health Authorities
In a coordinated effort, the Department of Health, law enforcement agencies, and the Department of Environment, Small Businesses, Trade, and Industry are working together to trace the sources of the implicated food items. This multi-agency approach aims to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and prevent similar incidents in the future. Dr Maboya also mentioned that the department is finalising new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide school administrations in monitoring vendors.
School principals have been tasked with compiling detailed lists of all authorised vendors operating on or near school premises. These lists will be forwarded to environmental health inspectors for evaluation and regular inspections. Additionally, officials from the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) will maintain an oversight schedule, coordinated with the Department’s head office, to uphold high food safety standards.
National Impact: President Ramaphosa’s Remarks on Food Safety
The alarming wave of foodborne illnesses among schoolchildren has drawn national attention, with President Cyril Ramaphosa addressing the issue during the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo in Umnini, KwaZulu-Natal. Expressing condolences for the young lives lost, the President assured the public that the matter is being handled at the highest levels of government, with various departments working tirelessly to prevent further tragedies.
“We have in the last few weeks lost a number of schoolchildren who have died as a result of some chemical found in the food or snacks that they have been eating and buying from spaza shops,” President Ramaphosa stated. He urged parents to be vigilant and ensure their children consume food only from trusted and safe sources.
Gauteng’s Legislative Measures Against Foodborne Illnesses
In Gauteng, similar concerns have led Premier Panyaza Lesufi to announce sweeping changes in food safety regulations. Following 23 foodborne-related deaths, primarily affecting children aged six to nine, and 441 reported cases of food poisoning, the Gauteng government has decided to ban a specific agricultural pesticide identified as a contributing factor in some cases.
Premier Lesufi noted, “The MEC for Agriculture will formulate the approach on how to deal with that substance. We have agreed that this substance is banned in our province and that it must not be found in any shops or informal traders, and that law enforcement agencies will assist us in eliminating it where possible.”
To enforce uniform safety standards, Gauteng has adopted new by-laws requiring clear guidelines for business registration and operations. The provincial Department of Health is also implementing a new incident reporting system to ensure real-time tracking and timely intervention in food safety matters.
Health and Education Departments Coordinate to Strengthen Safety Protocols
Recognising the significance of recent incidents, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is collaborating with the Department of Health to draft safety guidelines aimed at reducing exposure risks to hazardous chemicals, including organophosphate pesticides. This initiative reflects a nationwide commitment to protect children from the dangers posed by unsafe food products.
The DBE is developing a comprehensive safety protocol for schools, detailing how school administrators should regulate and monitor food vendors. The goal is to provide a secure environment for children, ensuring that items sold in or around school premises meet acceptable health standards.
Community and Parental Involvement Key to Prevention
The recent outbreaks underscore the importance of community and parental involvement in food safety. Parents are encouraged to educate their children on the potential risks associated with consuming food from unverified vendors and to ensure their children buy food from reputable sources. Communities are urged to report any suspicious food items or vendors to authorities to prevent further cases of foodborne illnesses.
Preventive Measures and Future Plans
Moving forward, the Free State Department of Education, along with other provincial departments, is exploring long-term strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of learners. Plans include intensified monitoring of school-adjacent food vendors, expanding the scope of health inspections, and setting up a clear reporting mechanism for any future incidents.
Dr Maboya emphasised the department’s commitment to making schools a safe place for children, free from threats to their health and well-being. “The Department is deeply concerned by how these incidents have led to both loss of life and illness among learners. In response, we are implementing immediate measures to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our learners.”
Minister Hlabisa’s Initiative for Township Economies
In a related development, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Velenkosini Hlabisa introduced a Standard Draft By-Law for Township Economies, aimed at empowering small businesses while ensuring public health and safety. This by-law, aligned with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act of 2000, aims to establish a structured environment for small businesses in townships, addressing public health concerns while fostering economic inclusion.
Key features include enhanced business freedom within designated zones, simplified permitting processes, and an emphasis on compliance with safety standards. Minister Hlabisa highlighted that this by-law is a strategic step towards revitalising township economies while protecting communities. “The new by-law is a bold statement of CoGTA’s commitment to transforming townships into vibrant economic hubs that provide sustainable opportunities for residents,” he said.
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