The Department of Basic Education is alarmed by a disturbing increase in food poisoning incidents affecting school-age children, disrupting their learning and well-being. These foodborne illnesses often hit during school hours, forcing educators to divert attention from teaching to provide urgent medical assistance to affected students.
Parents and teachers alike are worried as schools should be safe havens for children. Most reported cases involve food purchased from informal vendors and spaza shops near schools. While some media speculate about links to the National School Nutrition Program, the Department clarifies that there is no evidence supporting these claims.
The National School Nutrition Program serves over 9.7 million learners daily with nutritious meals, supported by a budget of R9.8 billion for the 2024/25 financial year. This initiative aims to combat hunger and malnutrition, allowing children to focus on their education.
Considering these incidents, the Department emphasizes the need for improved food safety practices, urging parents to monitor what their children eat and to verify the sources of their meals. Schools are encouraged to partner with local vendors to promote healthier options.
The Department expresses heartfelt condolences to families affected by these tragedies and calls on everyone to report suspected food poisoning cases to local authorities.
