A Grade 6 learner from a Meadowlands primary school has died after eating snacks, bought from a local street vendor.
The Department of Education in Gauteng said the Thobeka Primary School learner attended school on November 1, showing no signs of illness.
"Over the weekend, her parent reported that the learner bought snacks from a street vendor on Sunday, not on school premises. On Monday, she was absent from school and her parent later informed the school that she had been hospitalised due to a suspected food-borne illness," the department said.
She was taken hospital and died on Tuesday.
"The department extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and the Thobeka Primary School community during this difficult time. We are providing essential counselling services and implementing measures to ensure the safety and support of all learners and staff, while addressing this matter accordingly. Further updates will be provided once additional information becomes available," said GDE MEC, Matome Chiloane.
Meanwhile, 21 learners from the Vuyani Primary School in Tsakane have been discharged from hospital after undergoing treatment for suspected food poisoning.
The GDE said the learners were admitted to hospitalised on Friday.
"It is reported that 21 learners began reporting stomach cramps on Friday morning, shortly after their school break. Accordingly, the learners were taken to different healthcare facilities for immediate medical attention. We can confirm that all affected learners were discharged later in the afternoon after being treated, and are all in good health," the department said.
It added that it is working closely with health officials to investigation the cause of the incident.
The African National Congress has joined the call for the rigorous health standards to be upheld. The party says it is closely monitoring investigations under way by the National Consumer Commission, the South African Police Service, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Health’s Environmental Directorate, coordinated by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).
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