Limpopo Education Bans Food Sales Around Schools
Limpopo Department of Education has announced a temporary ban on street vendors and spaza shops selling food in and around schools, effective Monday, October 28.
This decision follows a series of incidents that have resulted in students requiring hospitalization, with some tragically losing their lives.
Acting provincial spokesperson for the department, Mosebjane Kgaffe, stated that the primary goal of this ban is to protect the health and wellbeing of learners, particularly during the examination period.
“All food sales within school premises and surrounding areas are halted until further notice,” Kgaffe confirmed.
The ban comes as the province grapples with a surge in food poisoning cases.
Kgaffe said that meals provided through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) will continue, adhering to strict hygiene and safety protocols.
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This comes after recent incidents including the death of a 13-year-old boy from Khubvi in the Thulamela Municipality, who became ill after consuming snacks from a tuckshop.
He was rushed to the William Eadie Health Centre but sadly passed away. Three other boys who consumed the same snacks were also hospitalised.
Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba has expressed her condolences to the boy’s family.
In a related incident on October 9, 35 pupils from Makahlule Primary School in Malamulele were hospitalised after suffering from vomiting, headaches, and cramps after eating food sold at school.
Three learners from Denga Secondary School were treated at Elim Hospital for similar symptoms linked to snacks from a nearby spaza shop.
Kgaffe stated that the department will collaborate with relevant authorities to investigate the rise in food poisoning cases and urged school principals, district directors, and circuit managers to effectively communicate this directive to students, parents, and food vendors.