Learners find ways around the ban on food sales outside schools

In light of the Gauteng Department of Health’s recent ban on the sale of food in and around schools, Boksburg Advertiser recently visited some local schools to check whether schools and vendors comply with the new directive.

Most of the schools visited appeared to heed the call. However, at some schools, learners have found ways around the restrictions to get their hands on their favourite snacks.

At schools where gates remained locked, learners were peeping through the palisade fence and shouting at passers-by to buy for them, while others, who probably managed to sneak out, were spotted walking to the nearest vendors and spaza shops to buy for themselves and their peers.

Compliance
Goede Hoop Primary School principal José Grotewold said management has done everything to abide by the provincial government’s decision.

“We have closed the tuck shop on our premises and met with the vendors around the school perimeters, requesting them to comply with the restrictions.

“They appeared to be clued up about the decision and there was no defiant attitude after we read the memo we received from the department and explained it to them.

“We have also sent a newsletter to parents, requesting them to prepare something for their children to snack on.”

Grotewold added they were waiting for the provincial government to come back with a new strategy to help ensure those selling food to learners comply with regulations and food safety standards, including packaging, storage and expiry dates.

Laerskool Goudrand’s management said to abide by the department’s directive, the school restricts vendors from selling food within the school grounds.

“Also, we allow no adults on the premises without permission. A staff member must accompany them or carry a pass, which can only be obtained with the knowledge of our deputy head.

“Our tuck shop gets regularly monitored and we encourage learners not to share food, to prevent food poisoning from outside sources.

“We also have a nutrition programme that takes care of our learners in need and we ensure learners receive freshly made food before any sports events,” explained the school’s Ellen-Mary Engelbrecht.

‘Lift the ban, it’s too drastic,’ says AfriForum

Following a disturbing number of children dying and being hospitalised because of food poisoning or contamination in the province, the Gauteng Department of Basic Education suspended the sale of food on and around school premises until further notice.

However, the civil rights organisation AfriForum is calling on the department to lift the ban on food sales at schools, saying the ban forces pupils to buy food from unapproved vendors outside schools.

The organisation has asked the department to allow authorised sellers who can prove they meet all requirements and comply with health regulations to resume selling food at schools.

In a statement, AfriForum’s head of cultural affairs, Alana Bailey, said the civil rights organisation agreed that steps to prevent more cases and deaths were essential. It thinks this ban is far too drastic, as it will affect learners negatively, or expose them to greater danger.

“For some children, authorised tuckshops on school premises are the only option for getting a lunch. These vendors also cater to school functions. In addition, some even provide food for privately funded schemes that support indigent children.

“Furthermore, the sales provide an opportunity for additional funding for schools. By banning the sale of food by approved vendors who meet the registration and health requirements, learners are now forced to buy food or snacks from unapproved vendors outside school premises, which exposes them to greater risks instead of protecting them.”

Bailey said AfriForum is seriously concerned about the recent spate of food poisoning cases that have affected learners and expresses its sincere condolences to all who have lost family members as a result or have become ill themselves.

“At the same time, AfriForum is also concerned about the directives prohibiting the sale of food on school premises.

“We requested the department to liaise urgently with all relevant municipalities and the Department of Health to ensure health inspectors visit vendors near schools, to establish whether they meet all requirements.”

Campaign
The MMC of Development Planning and Real Estate, Nomadlozi Nkosi, has embarked on a campaign aimed at encouraging businesses dealing with food to comply with the city’s bylaws and regulations guiding their industry on how to store, prepare and serve food products safely to the public.

The MMC and her team, consisting of SAPS, EMPD, Department of Corporate Legal Services, environmental health, and Department of Economic Development, started on November 14 in Katlehong and will thereafter crisscross the city.

The campaign will also extend to wholesalers.

Also Read: GDE stops sales of food in and around schools, city says no to non-compliance

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