Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane urges learners, parents and community members to be vigilant when purchasing food items and to avoid purchasing from unauthorised food vendors.
This follows the tragic passing of a Grade 10 girl learner from Orange Farm Secondary School, who passed away on Saturday, 28 June after having allegedly consumed of snacks bought from a spaza shop near her home.
Gauteng Department of Education’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, said: “According to information at our disposal, the learner allegedly ate snacks purchased from a spaza shop close to her family home on Saturday. It is alleged that she fell ill shortly afterwards and was rushed to a local clinic where she was unfortunately certified dead. The incident was formally reported to the school on Monday, 1 July.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, the school community and all those affected by this tragic incident,” said MEC Chiloane.
MEC Chiloane calls for increased vigilance and urges parents, learners and communities to desist from buying food items from unauthorised spaza shops or unregulated vendors, as such food items continue to pose serious health risks.
“It is unfortunate that we are still experiencing tragic outcomes from the consumption of unauthorised or unverified food items. We urge communities to be more cautious, and protect our children from avoidable harm, especially from unauthorised spaza shops,” added MEC Chiloane.
