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About 24 learners from Enzani Primary, Mpumalanga, have been rushed to hospital after allegedly consuming snacks bought from a local spaza outside their school.
The Department of Education in Mpumalanga confirmed the news in a statement on Thursday.
The learners were rushed to Rob Ferreira Hospital in the City of Mbombela Local Municipality.
According to the report from the school, the learners were complaining about abdominal pains and some started vomiting.
The department stated that the cause of the sickness was not clear at the moment. However, it was alleged that it was caused from snacks from the spaza shops.
“The school principal notified their parents and immediately rushed the learners to Rob Ferreira hospital where they are currently receiving medical attention,” the department said.
All the learners are in a stable condition, according to the department.
Furthermore, MEC for Education Cathy Dlamini urged all school management teams, school governing bodies, and parents to be extra vigilant about what learners eat both within the school premises and outside.
This was after a similar incident was reported involving learners from Marhagi Secondary School in Verena.
"Everyone must play a meaningful role in this regard and not take such matters for granted.
Basic hygiene practices, such as washing hands after using restrooms or before eating must be strictly adhered to at all times,” Dlamini said.
The department said it would closely monitor the developments with regular updates on the status of the learners.
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