Emmangweni Primary School in Tembisa was a picture of chaos when a concerning incident involving an alleged foodborne illnessbroke out today affecting 16 learners.

"Preliminary reports indicate that, after the school break at 11:00, a group of 16 learners aged between 11 and 15 reported to the office for experiencing dizziness and vomiting from a suspected foodborne illness. Upon investigation, it was discovered that they had consumed atchaar, which they bought from other learners."

ATCHAAR BLAMED

Mabona said two Grade 7 learners from the school reportedly admitted to selling the atchaar on behalf of a woman who is a Community Work Programme (CWP) member. "Emergency services responded swiftly and transported all 16 affected learners to different medical facilities. Parents were promptly informed about the situation and accompanied their children to the respective medical facilities. We can confirm that 10 learners have since been stabilised and discharged. Only three learners remain at Tembisa Hospital and another three at Esangweni Clinic, where they are receiving necessary medical attention and their condition is being monitored," said Mabona.

INVESTIGATIONS UNDERWAY

Mabona said the department has launched investigations into this incident stating that the safety of all learners remains a top priority.

"We are deeply troubled by the increasing number of cases of foodborne illnesses reported in our schools. The health and safety of our learners is our highest priority. We are working closely with authorities to fully investigate the cause of this incident. We wish the affected learners a speedy recovery and will provide the necessary psycho-social support to the families and school community at large," said Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane.