LIMPOPO – Seventy-nine learners from Dzumeri Primary School in Ndhambi village, Giyani, were rushed to Nkhensani Hospital on Thursday after allegedly falling ill from consuming food provided by the school’s feeding scheme programme.

According to initial accounts, the children began complaining of symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, and dizziness shortly after eating.

Witnesses reported that while the learners had consumed various food items that day, suspicion centred on the milk served during break time as the likely cause.

Concerned teachers and staff responded promptly to ensure the affected learners received medical care, using ambulances and private vehicles to transport them to Nkhensani Hospital.

Those with minor symptoms were treated and discharged, while eleven learners were admitted for observation after exhibiting more severe symptoms.

By Friday morning, November 15, the hospital discharged eight of the admitted learners, leaving three still under observation due to persistent symptoms of illness.

“We were able to visit the learners at the hospital this morning. There were eleven of them admitted, and we were informed that eight would be discharged, while three would remain hospitalised,” explained Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya.

Speaking at Dzumeri, the MEC said, “Of the three staying behind, one developed diarrhoea, and the other two are being kept under observation to ensure their condition does not deteriorate.”

Meanwhile, the brand of milk that caused the illness is commonly used in all the schools on the feeding scheme programme.

The Department of Health is reportedly investigating the incident and has already sent a sample to the laboratory for testing to determine whether the milk was contaminated by something else in the factory or improperly stored.

The department, in collaboration with the Department of Health, has promised a thorough inquiry into the matter to identify the root cause and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

“I can confirm that a sample of the milk in question has been sent to the laboratory, and we are currently awaiting the results,” explained Lerule-Ramakhanya reassuring parents that their children would be safe at school.

“We inspected the storage area where the food is kept, reviewed the entire food preparation process by the parents, and assessed the cleanliness and expiration dates of the food items and everything looks fine,” she said.

According to the MEC, the school’s exams were not disturbed, as the learners started to feel ill late in the afternoon after they had written their examinations.

“The learners are continuing with their exams as scheduled,” she said.