IN an urgent call to protect the health and well-being of school children, Free State Education MEC Mantlhake Maboya has issued a strong warning to food vendors to prioritise the safety and nutrition of the meals sold to learners.
Highlighting recent incidents of food poisoning and other health issues linked to unregulated food sales, she stressed that all food vendors operating near schools must comply with health regulations and nutritional standards.
The warning comes in the wake of several serious incidents, including a tragic case in March 2020 where a Grade 3 learner at Tsholetseng Primary School in Bloemfontein died after sharing contaminated chocolate with classmates.
Most recently, 24 students in Mpumalanga were hospitalised with suspected food poisoning, while six children in Soweto tragically passed away after consuming tainted snacks from a local spaza shop.
“To ensure learners’ health and well-being, we must safeguard against unhealthy food options,” Maboya said.
She called on parents, schools and food vendors to collaborate, noting that unregulated food sales not only pose risks of food poisoning but also contribute to childhood obesity, allergies and other long-term health concerns.
The MEC encouraged schools to enforce policies that regulate food sales on school grounds, including designating specific, safe areas for vending and implementing regular inspections.
She also urged parents to monitor and scrutinise food options accessible to their children.
Maboya said educational initiatives should be launched to teach students about proper nutrition and healthy choices.
The department will be conducting inspections and implementing stricter monitoring of vendors and spaza shops near schools, reinforcing the importance of student health and safety across the province. – Staff Reporter