Cape Town — The Limpopo Education Department has confirmed that more than 50 learners were admitted to the Nkhensani Hospital after another suspected bout of food poisoning.
In a statement, the Department said 59 learners were rushed to hospital after they started vomiting, while some also complained of stomach cramps. The school sent all the learners to the hospital as a precautionary measure. The learners were allegedly fed milk and porridge through the School Nutrition Programme.
The Department said that it has also lifted the ban on food sales in and around schools; only registered vendors are allowed to sell.
In an update, the Department confirmed that 50 learners were in stable condition and the Limpopo Health Department would be doing a thorough investigation, eNCA reported.
“The indication is that the common denominator in terms of what they had eaten throughout the day was a meal of milk and pap that was a feeding scheme at schools,” Department spokesperson, Neil Shikwambana, said.
He added that the food bought from the vendors would be looked at to determine if it was the cause of the illnesses.
[UPDATE] 50 primary school pupils in Giyani are in a stable condition after being rushed to hospital. The pupils are from Dzumeri Primary School in Ndhambi village. They were taken to Nkhensani Hospital earlier due to suspected food poisoning. The Limpopo Health Department says… pic.twitter.com/kemuL4H8iA
— eNCA (@eNCA) November 14, 2024
According to TimesLIVE, the Limpopo government spokesperson, Nddavhe Ramakuela said the school’s principal had acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all pupils. He said that, while a few pupils complained of abdominal, all learners were taken to hospital.
“The Task Team established by the provincial executive council a month ago is actively supporting all affected pupils and their families,” said Ramakuela.
He added that the department would investigate the food eaten by pupils in the school nutrition programme as the government was committed to transparency.
“There is closer co-operation between health officials and educational authorities to ensure all necessary measures are taken to safeguard the wellbeing of pupils,” Ramakuela said.
WATCH: Authorities in Greater Giyani Municipality conducted raids on foreign-owned shops in Dzumeri, Giyani, resulting in arrests of operators lacking proper documentation. This crackdown aims to address the surge in food poisoning cases in the country. pic.twitter.com/ugI5rhSYqv
— Limpopo Current Affairs (@BlaqSlav) November 14, 2024
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Pixabay
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Matthew Petersen
