As a call to address the abnormal occurrences of food poisoning currently happening in the country, on the 20^th - 21^st of November 2024, the School Health, Safety and Learner enrichment directorate in collaboration with the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) conducted a two-day Food Awareness Campaign at Emsengeni Primary School and Ben Nyathi Primary School in Gqeberha.

The aim of the campaign was to educate learners about the risks associated with buying food items, particularly snacks from unlicensed and registered spaza shops.

The key focus areas included: the importance of prioritizing their health by making sound nutritional decisions, good hygiene practices for food handling and consumption, community involvement in ensuring food safety and other educational topics that promote healthy habits.

According to Mlungiseleli Ntsila, Rapid Response Coordinator and Deputy Chief Educational Specialist (DCES) in the School Health, Safety and Learner Enrichment directorate, approximately 35 cases of school children hospitalized due to food poisoning were reported, Additionally, in the Buffalo City Municipality (BCM) area, tragically resulting in one fatality.

He further stated that although so far there is no proof beyond reasonable doubt that the shops owned by foreign nationals are the cause, learners were instructed to not buy from these shops as precautionary measures.

He went on to say that interventions have already started in the directorate, where School Governing Body (SGB) coordinators from across the province were called in a meeting to discuss this matter.

A plan will be rolled out until next year, focusing on advocacy and awareness that will reach all levels to save the children’s lives.  He added that a Circular with guidelines by nutrition has been published stating what needs to be done, but there are precautionary measures that are to be taken in the provision of nutrition in schools.

He also indicated that training of SGB Coordinators is underway with presentations from the National Safety Framework which guide schools on how to drive food policies.

He concluded by saying “there are 12 School Safety coordinators across the province who are assisting in this process and hopes these efforts will yield significant results”.

Amyoli Resha, the Eastern Cape Provincial Convenor for COSAS went on to say, “such awareness campaigns are an integral part of raising awareness on the spoilt food that continues to make its way to schools and communities causing sickness to children”.

Further emphasizing the issue of safety, he said, “children and their families should buy food from trusted retail shops as some of what they buy and consume from these spaza shops may not be safe”.

The program was a huge success as pupils also shared their joy, views and engaged on the different topics presented to them.