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AfriForum is seriously concerned about the recent spate of food poisoning cases that have affected learners and expresses its sincere condolences to all who have lost family members as a result or have become ill themselves. At the same time, AfriForum is also concerned about directives by provincial education departments that prohibit the sale of food on school premises. The Gauteng Department of Education is the most recent institution to issue such a directive. 

According to Alana Bailey, AfriForum’s Head of Cultural Affairs, this civil rights organisation agrees that steps to prevent more cases and deaths are essential but is of the opinion that this ban is far too drastic, as it will affect learners negatively, or even expose them to greater danger.

“For some children, authorised tuckshops on school premises are the only option for getting a lunch. These vendors also cater for school functions. In addition, some even provide food for privately funded schemes that support indigent children. Furthermore, sales provide an opportunity to get additional funding for schools. By banning the sale of food by approved vendors who meet the necessary registration and health requirements, learners are now forced to buy food or snacks from unapproved vendors outside school premises, which exposes them to greater risks, instead of protecting them,” she says.

In a letter, AfriForum has requested the Gauteng Department of Education to allow authorised sellers who can prove that they meet all requirements and comply with health regulations to resume the sale of food at schools. Furthermore, the department has been asked to liaise urgently with all relevant municipalities and the Department of Health to ensure that health inspectors visit vendors in the vicinity of schools, to establish whether they meet all necessary requirements. 

Similar directives from education authorities in other provinces will also be followed up by AfriForum.

Issued by AfriForum