Gauteng Education Chief Alarmed as 25 Students Fall Ill from Street Food in Bronkhorstspruit

Bronkhorstspruit: Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, has voiced significant concern following a foodborne illness incident that affected 25 learners at Mshuluzane Mayisela Primary School in Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit. The students fell ill after consuming snacks bought from local street vendors, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. According to South African Government News Agency, the distressing event unfolded this morning when the schoolchildren began to exhibit symptoms such as body itching and stomach pains shortly after eating the snacks. The symptoms manifested approximately 30 minutes post-consumption. Emergency teams were quick to act, transporting the affected learners to nearby medical facilities. A breakdown of the response shows that eight were taken to Kungwini Clinic and seventeen to Zithobeni Clinic, all transported by Gauteng Provincial Government ambulances. The department further reported that of the 25 students who suffer ed from the suspected food poisoning, 22 have been discharged following treatment. Additionally, two learners were taken to private medical facilities by their parents, while one remains under medical observation at Zithobeni Clinic. The health status of this learner is being monitored closely. In response to the incident, local law enforcement and health officials have initiated an investigation to assess the safety of the food products sold by the street vendors. This action aims to prevent similar incidents in the future. MEC Chiloane stressed the critical importance of food safety, especially for school-going children, and called for increased vigilance from parents, guardians, and school administrations. He expressed his wishes for a swift recovery for all the affected learners and emphasized the priority of their health and safety.