Department of Education spokesperson, Mali Mtima has confirmed that 55 learners from Mpeko Primary School in Mthatha were rushed to a local clinic following the consumption of a ginger powder that was sold to them by a fellow learner on Tuesday, August 2.
According to Mtima, the learners were then transferred to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, with 52 of the 55 being discharged on the day and the remaining three admitted overnight for observation were admitted just for overnight observation.
“Amongst the three learners who were admitted overnight, the learner who showed the most severe reaction to the powder was said to have consumed it on an empty stomach,” said Mtima.
He added that according to reports from the school, the learner who sold the powder also consumed it with no adverse reaction to it.
“It is time for schools to take measures that will see to the inspection of food stuff sold to learners, which is a responsibility that lies with the School Governing Body (SGB),” said Mtima.
A parent who wished to remain anonymous indicated that she was informed of the incident while she was attending a prayer session at Mpeko High School situated in close proximity to the primary school. She further stated that her child was amongst the learners rushed to the hospital.
“This child was selling the ginger powder for R1 a spoon. Today I heard that there are other children who went back to the clinic. My child also went back to the clinic again for a check-up,” she said.
Another parent also confirmed that her child was also rushed to hospital after complaining about a running stomach and a headache.
