Over 70 Pupils Affected by Food Contamination Incident
In a distressing incident, 75 pupils from Dzumeri Primary School, located outside Giyani in Limpopo, were rushed to Nkhensani Hospital on Thursday, November 14, after displaying symptoms of food poisoning. The children reportedly began vomiting, and many complained of severe stomach cramps shortly after being served a meal as part of the School Nutrition Programme. The meal, which included porridge and milk, is believed to have been the source of the illness, although initial investigations suggest that fat cakes and sweets might also have been consumed by the pupils, potentially contributing to the incident.
Parents Demand Answers and Accountability
The news has sparked widespread concern among parents, many of whom are now questioning the safety of the food served to their children in schools. One parent, Florah Masingi (42), expressed her shock, saying, “We thought food poisoning only happened with items sold at spaza shops. We never imagined it could happen at school.” Other parents are calling for urgent action from the education authorities to determine the exact cause of the food poisoning and ensure that such an incident never happens again.
In response to the crisis, some parents have demanded that the school suspend its feeding programme until it is clear whether the porridge and milk or the fat cakes and sweets were responsible. They are also asking for a full investigation into the suppliers of the food served to the students.
**Health Officials Provide Update**
The Limpopo Department of Education has reassured the public that all 75 pupils who were treated at the hospital are now in stable condition. Mosebjane Kgaffe, a spokesperson for the department, confirmed that health inspectors would begin a thorough investigation into the cause of the food poisoning. As a precautionary measure, all pupils who came into contact with those who exhibited symptoms were also taken to the hospital for screening.
“At this point, we are relieved to report that the majority of the students are stable. However, 11 pupils remain under observation overnight,” said Ndavhe Ramakuela, spokesperson for the provincial government. He emphasized that the health and safety of students are the top priority for the authorities, and the investigation into the cause of the food poisoning would continue in earnest.
**Education MEC Responds to the Crisis**
The incident occurred while Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya was overseeing the return of food vendors to schools in the Ga-Maja Village area outside Polokwane, following the lifting of a suspension on food sales within school premises. The timing of this event has raised further concerns among parents and educators about the safety of food provided in schools.
In light of the incident, a task force established by the provincial government is now working to provide support to the affected families and to ensure that such an incident is thoroughly investigated. The team is also focused on examining the food sources involved in this incident and making recommendations for improved food safety protocols.
**Conclusion**
The suspected food poisoning at Dzumeri Primary School has left parents anxious and demanding accountability. The authorities are moving swiftly to investigate the cause, and there is growing pressure to ensure that food safety in schools is a top priority. As the investigation unfolds, the health and safety of South African students remain a central concern for the community and education officials alike.
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