Food vendors, tuck shops, and other traders may now resume selling food within and around school premises after the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) confirmed that it had temporarily waived its previous decision on food sales to the public by businesses near a school.

This decision comes just weeks after the department decided to suspend the sale of food within and around school premises due to the surge in alleged foodborne illnesses among learners. President Cyril Ramaphosa instructed all spaza shops and other food handling facilities to be registered within the municipalities in which they operate within 21 days from November 15.

“Any shop that is not registered within 21 days and does not meet all health standards and requirements will be closed.”

Various inspections by the provincial and local governments have unearthed the practice of South African citizens registering spaza shops on behalf of foreign nationals who are not compliant with the laws of the country. This fragrant disregard for the law is unacceptable as it…

— Lebogang Maile (@LebogangMaile1) November 19, 2024

Ramaphosa said: “Since the beginning of September, there have been a total of 890 reported incidents of food-borne illnesses across all provinces. Gauteng and KZN have been the most affected, with Limpopo, Free State and Mpumalanga also recording dozens of incidents. Over the last few weeks alone, food-borne illnesses have claimed the lives of at least 22 of our nation’s children”.

Steps taken to curb food-borne illnesses https://t.co/2sZ6LJdcw2 https://t.co/cTzczXe4TX #GovZAUpdates #LeaveNoOneBehind #FoodSafety pic.twitter.com/o2l4VZcyBX

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) November 15, 2024

Since October, 12 children across Gauteng have died from alleged food poisoning. In Mshuluzane Mayisela Primary School in Bronkhorstspruit, several learners were hospitalised after allegedly consuming snacks from vendors outside their schools.

ICYMI: “Our first task was to understand the problem.”~ @Lesufi

Premier announced that @GautengProvince has adopted a uniform approach to respond to the outbreak of cases of food borne illnesses which have seen 441 cases reported across the province, claiming 23 young lives. pic.twitter.com/Al0UzbiDbg

— Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) November 10, 2024

Following the President’s address at the Union Buildings on November 15, the education department has introduced specific regulations that all food vendors, tuck shops and traders must follow.

GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona says it is important that all vendors strictly adhere to the compliance requirements to ensure food sold at schools is safe and free from harmful substances.

He says these requirements will ensure that food is properly handled and stored to prevent contamination, spoilage or the risk of causing illness.

“The department has issued a circular on incidents of food poisoning, which serves as a guiding framework for schools, vendors and school communities regarding food sales.”

Mabona says the following specific compliance requirements have been introduced to regulate food sales on school premises to ensure the safety and health of learners in schools:

• All tuck shops, traders, and vendors must comply with legal requirements, by-laws, and food management regulations to operate on school premises
• Unregistered sellers must register with the relevant authorities within 21 days, effective from November 15
• Vendors operating at school premises are required to obtain a valid Certificate of Acceptability (CoA), as per the Food Stuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act and the General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises, Transport of Food, and Related Matters (Regulations No 638 of 22 June 2018)
• Districts and schools must ensure that all food vendors within the school premises have a verified CoA
• CoAs must be verified and can be confirmed by an Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) at your respective municipal office.

Mabona says tuck shops, vendors and traders may proceed to operate at school premises only if they comply with these requirements, as per the regulations, or after completing the necessary verification and compliance.

He says the new regulations also require that school governing bodies (SGBs) and management teams actively ensure that food vendors comply with all guidelines and regulations.

“They should also verify that food items are sourced from reputable suppliers and are safe for consumption.”

Mabona says districts and schools are also required:

• To implement specific measures, which include submitting daily reports on food-related incidents using a standardised template
• To share food safety tips and awareness materials to prevent foodborne illnesses
• To follow the National School Nutrition Programme guidelines.

He says schools are also instructed to adhere to Standard Operating Procedures for managing suspected food poisoning cases to ensure swift and effective responses.

“Instances of non-compliance should be reported to the relevant district offices or through the Consumer Goods Council’s hotlines on 0800 041 856 or 011 355 8006 or via email to consumer@gauteng.gov.za.”

Mabona says local authorities must be contacted if there are any concerns about the hygiene or the safety of foods so that inspections can be done and, where required, an inspection report be issued.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane says the education department is committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of learners.

“Schools, parents, and communities are encouraged to work together to ensure compliance with these measures and maintain a safe learning environment for all,” he adds.

GAUTENG PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT’S REGISTRATION OF SPAZA SHOPS#GrowingGautengTogether pic.twitter.com/646BULxVcR

— Gauteng Treasury (@GautengTreasury) November 19, 2024