Community outraged after Diepkloof learners were hospitalised for food poisoning
Locals and families demand urgent action and stricter regulations on spaza shops following the incident.
Three learners from Nandi Primary School in Diepkloof, Soweto, were hospitalised on November 6 after consuming tainted snacks.
Another learner gave the snacks to the learners, including two siblings, Lindokuhle and Nhlanhla Makhoba, during school hours.
According to Jabulile Makhoba, mother of the two affected learners, the incident occurred in the morning.
ALSO READ: Investigations into cause of death for Naledi children must speed up – Lesufi
“A learner in Grade Four gave my children chips, but that learner did not consume those chips,” she explained.
“When the children started reacting to the chips, they were rushed to a clinic and later to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.”
Community reaction
The incident has sparked outrage and concern in the community, with many calling for stricter regulations and policy frameworks around spaza shops.
Paulos Manotwane, uncle of the two siblings, expressed sadness and frustration, citing recent incidents where children died in Katlehong, White City, Naledi, and other parts of the country.
ALSO READ: Shops busted for non-compliance after Naledi tragedy
“The city has failed us concerning increasing the number of health inspectors,” Manotwane said.
Cosas intervention
The Johannesburg Congress of South African Students (Cosas) visited the affected family on November 7, led by regional coordinators Zenande Saleni and Wandile Sithole.
Cosas is advocating for stricter regulations and policy frameworks around spaza shops.
“We want inspections to be carried out with force, as the current measures are too lenient,” Sithole said.
“We are saying shut down all non-compliant shops until the government comes up with a solid solution.
“The family informed us the children did not buy the snacks; they received it as a gift from another learner. We need to trace where that learner bought the snacks,” he noted.
The origin of the tainted snacks remains unclear, and Cosas is working to trace where the learner purchased them.
Cosas has begun operations to ensure compliance with health regulations at spaza shops.
“We visited the school, checked each spaza shop, and some complied, but there is still more work,” Sithole said.
ALSO READ: Video: Somber atmosphere at memorial service for five Naledi children
He urged the community to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities or concerns to the authorities.
Current status
The three learners still receive treatment at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and are responding positively.
As the investigation continues, the community awaits concrete actions from authorities to address concerns about food safety and spaza shop regulations.
This incident was not isolated, with recent reports of food poisoning incidents in other parts of the country.
Gauteng Department of Basic Education expressed its concern over the increasing reports of food poisoning involving children of school-going age.
They encouraged the public to remain informed and take necessary precautions to ensure food safety.
