FEDSAS slams education departments’ food sales suspension
The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools has voiced its concerns regarding the decision to ban food sales within and near schools in three provinces.
The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS) has condemned the recent instructions by provincial education departments in Limpopo, Gauteng, and the Free State to suspend food sales at public schools, citing that these directives are unlawful.
According to Dr Juané van der Merwe, Deputy CEO of FEDSAS, the circulars distributed to schools and principals have no legal power to establish rights or duties without specific statutory authorisation.
This move comes after recent incidents of food poisoning from food sold mostly at spaza shops and stalls located off school premises, resulting in the tragic loss of several learners’ lives.
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Dr Jaco Deacon, CEO of FEDSAS, argues that suspending food sales will not effectively address the issue, as the contaminated food was not purchased on school premises.
Moreover, public schools rely on commercial activities like tuck shops and restaurants to raise additional funds.
Deacon questions whether education departments considered the impact on hostels when suspending food provisioning.
FEDSAS emphasizes that schools must comply with health and safety regulations from the Department of Health and local governments. Instead of unlawful instructions, education departments should ensure schools adhere to these regulations.
Deacon stresses that cooperation between authorities and communities is crucial in addressing this issue.
In a recent development, the Limpopo Department of Education has announced its intention to lift the suspension of food sales with conditions, effective November 11.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) initially suspended all food sales within and around school premises until further notice, following the tragic death of six school learners and hundreds of foodborne illness cases.
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However, it remains to be seen how the department will proceed in light of FEDSAS’ concerns.
As the debate unfolds, one thing is clear, the safety and well-being of learners must be prioritized, while also ensuring that any measures taken are lawful and effective.
GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department will not respond to FEDSAS.
