ALLEGED FOODBORNE ILLNESS AT TEMBISA SCHOOL AFFECTS 16 LEARNERS

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has launched an urgent investigation following a troubling incident of an alleged foodborne illness at Emmangweni Primary School in Tembisa. The illness, reported on Wednesday, 23 October 2024, has affected 16 learners, sparking widespread concern about food safety in schools.

Preliminary reports reveal that after the school break at around 11:00 AM, a group of learners, aged between 11 and 15, reported symptoms such as dizziness and vomiting. It was later discovered that the affected learners had consumed atchaar which they bought from fellow learners on the school premises.

The atchaar was allegedly sold by two Grade 7 learners who were acting on behalf of a woman involved in the Community Work Programme (CWP).

Emergency services were dispatched to the school and all 16 learners were taken to different medical facilities for treatment. Parents were immediately informed about the incident and accompanied their children to the respective clinics and hospitals.

The GDE confirmed that 10 learners have since been stabilized and discharged, while six learners remain under medical supervision – three are at Tembisa Hospital and another three are receiving care at Esangweni Clinic.

“We are deeply troubled by the increasing number of foodborne illness cases reported in our schools. The health and safety of our learners is our highest priority. We are working closely with authorities to fully investigate the cause of this incident. We wish the affected learners a speedy recovery and will provide the necessary psycho-social support to the families and school community at large,” said MEC Chiloane.

As investigations continue, MEC Chiloane assured parents and the public that no stone will be left unturned in determining the root cause of the outbreak and implementing necessary measures to safeguard the health of learners.

UPDATE: The six (6) remaining learners have been discharged.