A Nyanga Community Policing Forum (CPF) leader has urged the Western Cape Department of Education to regulate informal traders operating near schools to protect learners. His remarks come after a group of learners from Sikelela Primary School in Crossroads were taken to a clinic after allegedly suffering stomach aches from biscuits they had purchased from street vendors near the school.
Nyanga CPF secretary Dumisani Qwebe said the department needs to pay closer attention to vendors selling food near schools.
He said reports indicate that this is not the first time such an incident has occurred at the school.
“There were 19 learners who were transported to the clinic after complaining of stomach aches. Something needs to be done about the people selling outside schools. We understand that they are trying to earn a living, but they need to be monitored. It is alleged that the learners ate biscuits they bought from these vendors, and no one will be held accountable for this incident,” said Qwebe.
Parents encouraged to prepare lunchboxes for learners
He also urged parents to stop giving children money and instead prepare lunchboxes for them.
“Parents must monitor their children and stop spoiling them by giving them money. It would be better if parents prepared food for their children and monitored what they eat,” he advised.
Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the department is aware of the incident. She stated that it is alleged that learners brought biscuits purchased outside the school grounds and within the community before arriving at school.
Five learners taken to hospital for further examination
Several learners later complained of stomach aches, and five were taken to hospital for further examination.
“They have since been discharged. We have been informed that some parents took learners to hospital separately. The Department of Health would need to confirm the total number of learners affected. All have been discharged,” said Hammond.
She added that it remains unclear whether the biscuits were responsible for the reported illnesses.
“The WCED is supporting the school. The school will engage with learners and parents about the dangers of harmful substances and how to deal with suspicious food items, noting that the official cause of the illnesses has not yet been determined,” she said.
WCED warns against food sales through school fences
Hammond said the department has consistently discouraged schools from allowing outside vendors to sell food through school fences due to safety concerns.
“The reality is that there are vendors selling food items on many street corners within our communities,” she said.
She emphasised that environmental health practitioners within municipalities are responsible for ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, and that the department relies on their continued monitoring and inspections.
“Food handlers at schools are trained in health and safety procedures, including the safe storage, preparation and disposal of food. Expiry dates are regularly checked,” she concluded.
