GDE bans food sales in and around schools

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has instructed all schools in the province to suspend the sale of food within and around school premises until further notice.

This decision is due to the recent and alarming increase in incidents of food poisoning cases.

The department is deeply concerned by how these incidents have let to both loss of life and illness among learners.

“To further protect learners, schools and SGBs are advised to issue a circular to parents, encouraging them to prepare meals at home instead of providing lunch money, until the relevant authorities issue updated guidelines for food vendors. Additionally, schools are encouraged to engage community organisations, education stakeholders, and small business associations to foster collaborative efforts aimed at preventing further incidents of foodborne illness,” said the Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane.