Over 100 Katlehong pupils rushed to hospital after falling sick from foodborne illness! At least 110 students from Tamaho Primary School in Katlehong were hospitalized on Wednesday after suffering from symptoms of a suspected foodborne illness.
The affected children reportedly began experiencing severe stomach cramps and vomiting after consuming samp provided at school during break time.
This incident has raised serious concerns among both parents and education officials, who are calling for a thorough investigation into the cause of the illness.
Symptoms and Immediate Response
According to Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona, the students began showing symptoms shortly after lunch, leading school authorities to take immediate action. Medical teams were called, and the students were transported to multiple clinics and hospitals in the surrounding area to receive urgent medical attention.
“All 110 learners were hospitalised following the incident, with 98 learners subsequently discharged after receiving medical treatment,” said Mabona. “Twelve learners remain in the hospital under medical supervision as healthcare providers continue to monitor their condition.”
The quick response from the school and local healthcare facilities may have prevented the situation from worsening. Nonetheless, the incident has sparked significant concerns regarding food safety protocols within school environments, especially as similar occurrences have been reported in other Gauteng schools.
Gauteng Education Department’s Response
Following the incident, Matome Chiloane, Gauteng’s MEC for Education, expressed his deep concern about the recurring cases of foodborne illness affecting students in the region.
Chiloane emphasized the need to prioritize student health and safety and committed to working closely with health officials to identify and resolve any potential risks in school meal programs.
“It is alarming to witness such cases of foodborne illness affecting our learners,” Chiloane stated. “The safety and wellbeing of our learners is our highest priority, and we are committed to working closely with health authorities to understand and address the root causes of these incidents. We wish all recovering learners a speedy return to good health.”
Chiloane’s response reflects a growing concern over the potential risks of foodborne illness in schools, and his commitment to addressing these issues comes as the department has observed a worrying trend of similar cases in other schools in Gauteng.
Ongoing Investigation and Monitoring
The Gauteng Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Health, has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the illness.
Authorities are examining the food preparation process, ingredients, and storage methods used at Tamaho Primary School to identify potential sources of contamination.
Mabona noted that the departments are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses. He assured parents and the public that necessary steps are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We are actively monitoring the situation and will provide additional information as the investigation proceeds,” Mabona said. “We are committed to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all learners and will provide psycho-social support to the affected learners, families, and the school community.”
Support for Affected Students and Families
In the aftermath of this incident, the Gauteng Department of Education is providing psychological and emotional support to the affected students, their families, and the school community.
This support is crucial in helping those impacted by the scare to cope with the emotional distress that often follows such incidents.
In addition to health monitoring, the department’s psycho-social support team has been deployed to Tamaho Primary School to offer counseling services to students and parents.
This response aligns with the department’s broader strategy to prioritize both physical and mental health in schools, particularly in situations where students have experienced trauma.
A Call for Stringent Food Safety Measures
The incident at Tamaho Primary School is just one of several recent cases of suspected foodborne illness in Gauteng schools, sparking a larger conversation about food safety protocols in school environments.
Parents and community members are urging the education department to implement stricter regulations and to conduct regular inspections of food suppliers and school kitchens.
The Gauteng Department of Education has committed to reviewing current food safety practices and implementing measures to reduce the risk of future foodborne illnesses.
This includes ensuring that food providers adhere to rigorous safety standards and undergo regular health and safety inspections.
Moving Forward: Ensuring Student Safety
As the investigation into this incident unfolds, the Gauteng Department of Education aims to reassure parents and the community that the safety of students is a top priority.
By working with health authorities, implementing enhanced food safety protocols, and providing support to affected families, the department hopes to restore trust and prevent further incidents.
In the coming days, education officials will continue their efforts to address the situation, with a focus on transparency and accountability.
For now, parents, students, and teachers at Tamaho Primary School are hoping for a speedy recovery for all affected students and a resolution to the ongoing food safety concerns in Gauteng schools.
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