Suspected food poisoning strikes again at one of Limpopo schools

GA-MPHAHLELE

Another school in Limpopo has reported a case of suspected food poisoning after a total of 56 learners, from Thokgwaneng Primary School in Ga-Mphahlele Village, have been treated for food poisoning at Lebowakgomo Hospital on Friday 1 November 2024.

This incident occurred despite a ban of vendors in all schools across Limpopo. Last month, the Limpopo Department of Education (LDoE) has temporarily suspended food sales in and around schools due to a surge in alleged food poisoning incidents across the province.

The department said this precautionary measure aims to safeguard learners’ health and well-being, especially during the examination period.

The department furthered said it has unanimously placed with immediate effect the following measures to curb the alleged incidents.

“All food sales within school premises and surrounding areas are halted until further notice. Meals provided through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) will continue as usual, adhering to strict hygiene and safety standards,” said the LDoE in a statement.

According to Apostle Derick Mosoana, School Governing Body (SGB) Federation Convenor in Limpopo, the recent food poisoning is raising concerns about the safety of the current school nutrition programme.

“The SGB Federation feels vindicated by these developments, as it now appears clear that the school-provided meals are potentially contaminated. We are calling for an immediate suspension of the school nutrition program to prevent further risk to learners,” he said.

Mosoana indicated that in response, they are considering legal action through the Limpopo High Court to press for an official suspension.

“Additionally, we urge parents and schools to halt participation in the feeding scheme and explore alternative ways to provide safe nutrition for learners,” he said.

Mosoana furthered said the SGB Federation asserts that the LDoE, under MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, has prioritized profit over the well-being of the children by maintaining this programme.

“We strongly advocate for a decentralized feeding scheme, where schools are empowered to select their own service providers to ensure safer, healthier meals,” he said.

Speaking to the publication, LDoE Spokesperson, Mosebjadi Kgaffe, said only eight learners were hospitalized after they have been affected by the food poisoning incident.

“The department can confirm that only eight learners and not the 56 learners as stated in the media. The learners complained about stomach cramps and were admitted in hospital where they were treated and released immediately,” she said. Kgaffe said learning and teaching resumed smoothly on Monday 4 November 2024.