Cape Town — The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Limpopo has blamed the Department of Education for failing to protect pupils following the latest food poisoning incident in Limpopo.
It was reported that the department is investigating the situation that saw 35 learners from Makahule primary School in Malamulele hospitalised after suspected food poisoning.
Provincial education spokesperson, Matome Taueattsoala said 22 learners were rushed to a nearby clinic on Wednesday afternoon after they started vomiting, while a second group of 13 learners were rushed to hospital after they complained of headaches and cramps, IOL reported.
According to Newzroom Afrika, Limpopo Education MEC, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, said the department has taken samples of the food the learners ate that will be tested to determine if anything was wrong.
“The other thing I can do to put the community and parents at ease is that none of the learners stayed over at hospital, except the 13 learners that the families wanted to keep them, but the rest are back at school,” she said.
Limpopo officials are investigating possible food poisoning at Makahlule Primary School. Thirty-five pupils were taken to hospital. Limpopo Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya elaborates.
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In response to the situation, the EFF has taken issue with the Department of Education for failing to protect the learners.
““It is unacceptable, given the fact that learners are under the care of the Department of Education, which has failed to ensure that the food eaten by learners in schools is safe,” EFF Provincial spokesperson, Lawrence Mapoulo said.
He called on the department to implement strict safety measures to control food served within school premises.
“It is the responsibility of the department to satisfy itself through food control measures before learners consume such food,” he said.
Ge said the incident could have resulted in the death of unsuspecting learners and he concluded that the government “does not love our children because if they did, they would take precautionary measures to ensure food is safe for consumption.”
Mapoulo was also dissatisfied that more food poisoning incidents have been happening and questioned why the department has not taken action sooner. He demanded a thorough investigation and said the party would work to get to the bottom of the matter.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
