The Provincial Government Spokesperson, Ndavhe Ramakuela.
Seventy-five Learners from Dzumeri Primary School in the Mopani East Education District, were rushed to the Local Nkhesani Hospital when they started vomiting and others complained of stomach cramps.
According Provincial Education Departmental Spokesperson, Ms Mosebjane Kgaffe, as a precautionary measure, the school took all learners who were in contact with the few that showed symptoms to hospital. Learners were fed Porridge and Milk from the School Nutrition Programme but preliminary reports indicate that they also had fat cakes and sweets.
“All the learners are in a stable condition. Inspectors will immediately start with investigations to establish the cause. The Province has lifted the ban on food sales within the school premises. Only registered vendors are allowed to sell,” said Kgaffe
Meanwhile, the Limpopo Provincial Government has noted the recent incident involving earners from Dzumeri Primary School who were rushed hospital after some of them reported experiencing abdominal pains.
“The provincial government wants to assure the community and all stakeholders that the health and safety of learners is government’s top priority,” said Provincial Government Spokesperson, Ndavhe Ramakuela.
Ramakuela said that upon receiving reports of the situation, the principal of Dzumeri Primary School acted swiftly and responsibly by taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of all learners. While a few learners initially complained of abdominal discomfort, the principal decided to have the remaining students sent to the hospital for observation.
Out of the 75 learners who were observed at the hospital, government is relieved to report that 11 students have remained for further overnight observation and are currently in a stable condition.
In response to this incident, the Task Team established by the Provincial Executive Council a month ago is actively engaged in providing support to all affected learners and their families.
“This team is also conducting a thorough investigation into the food consumed by the learners during the National School Nutrition Programme, as well as any other food sources that may have contributed to this situation,” he said.
He added that the provincial government is committed to transparency and will provide updates as more information becomes available. There is a closer cooperation between health officials and educational authorities to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to safeguard the well-being of learners.
The Provincial Government urges parents and guardians to remain calm and to reach out to school officials if they have any concerns or questions regarding their children’s health and safety.
“The Limpopo Provincial Government is dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of all learners in the province and we will continue to monitor the situation closely,” he assured