Urgent warning issued after school children fall ill from poisoned snacks

In a troubling trend sweeping across South Africa, schoolchildren have been falling ill due to suspected food poisoning after consuming snacks purchased from informal vendors.

This alarming development comes on the heels of the tragic deaths of six school children in Naledi, Soweto, who reportedly ingested poisoned snacks.

The most recent incident occurred near a primary school in Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit, where a group of students began exhibiting symptoms of food poisoning just 30 minutes after consuming snacks.

The Gauteng Department of Education reported that 25 learners were taken to medical facilities for treatment, with 22 being discharged, two transferred to private medical facilities, and one under medical observation.

There have been over 100 cases of learners treated for suspected food poisoning this month alone, with many cases linked to snacks purchased from ‘informal vendors’.

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Joy Maimela, expressed deep concern over the rising number of learners experiencing itching and stomach pains after eating these snacks.

Maimela urged parents to buy snacks from reputable shops and for schools to educate leaners about the dangers of purchasing from ‘unreliable sources.’

 “Authorities must conduct a thorough investigation to ensure the safety of the products being sold and prevent future incidents,” Maimela emphasised.