At least 16 children were urgently taken to various hospitals after falling ill from eating achaar purchased at Emmangweni Primary School in Tembisa, Gauteng.
According to the Gauteng Department of Education, the incident occurred shortly after the school’s break.
Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, stated that around 11 am, a group of learners aged between 11 and 15 went to the school office, complaining of dizziness and vomiting, suspected to be caused by a foodborne illness.
“Two Grade 7 learners from the school reportedly admitted to selling the achaar on behalf of a woman who is a Community Work Programme member,” said Chiloane.
Emergency services responded quickly, transporting all 16 affected learners to various healthcare facilities. Parents were notified immediately and accompanied their children to the hospitals.
Chiloane added that investigations are ongoing and expressed concern over the growing number of foodborne illness cases in 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,” he said.
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