The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) was alerted to an incident involving an alleged foodborne illness that broke out earlier today, October 23, at Emmangweni Primary School in Thembisa, affecting 16 learners.

Preliminary reports indicate that, after the school break at 11:00, a group of 16 learners all aged between 11 and 15 reported to the office for experiencing dizziness and vomiting from a suspected foodborne illness.

During investigations, it was discovered that the learners had consumed atchar, which they bought from other learners.

Two Grade 7 learners from the school reportedly admitted to selling the atchar on behalf of a woman who is a Community Work Programme (CWP) member.

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Emergency services responded swiftly and transported all 16 affected learners to medical facilities.

Parents were promptly informed about the situation and accompanied their children to the respective medical facilities.

“We can confirm that 10 learners have since been stabilised and discharged.

“Only three learners remain at Tembisa Hospital and another three at Esangweni Clinic, where they are receiving necessary medical attention, and their condition is being monitored,” said GDE MEC Matome Chiloane.

Investigations into this incident are underway.

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“The safety of all learners remains a top priority as the department works closely with health authorities to address the situation.

“We are deeply troubled by the increasing number of foodborne illness cases reported in our schools.

“The health and safety of our learners is our highest priority. We are working closely with authorities to fully investigate the cause of this incident.

“We wish the affected learners a speedy recovery and will provide the necessary psycho-social support to the families and school community at large,” said Chiloane.