Yesterday the MEC for education, Bonakele Majuba presented the outcomes of the investigation surrounding the death two learners from Nelson Ngubeni Primary School in eMalahleni.
The learners, Zamokuhle Maepa (6) and Busisiwe Mkhatshwa (9) died on July 29 while 10 of their school mates were admitted in Witbank hospital with signs and symptoms related to food-borne illness, allegedly as a result of food contamination.
One of them was admitted in the intensive care unit and was discharged on August 1, while the rest were discharged on July 30.
“The Department of Health’s outbreak response team undertook an investigation to identify the cause of the incident, while the SAPS took samples of food for testing,” said Majuba.
Read: Emalahleni learners who died of alleged food poisoning to be buried this weekend
“To this effect, the Department of Health and the district municipality conducted investigations, took clinical samples from ill learners and environmental health samples. They interviewed learners affected and those who did not get ill. Inspected and interviewed role players surrounding the environment, as well as places where learners buy snacks and samples of popcorn, were taken for testing,” he said.
According to Majuba, the report findings based on the samples taken from the food supplied by the school, showed there were no micro-organisms or germs that could be linked to the food-borne illness.
Also read: Postmortem on death of eMalahleni learners conducted
“This means that the food from the school was safe to be consumed by the beneficiaries. Learners can henceforth receive feeding. The SAPS investigation on the snacks bought by learners in other tuck shops, is ongoing,” he said.
The investigation team recommends that the school remain on high alert for any learners with similar signs and symptoms, and report this immediately to the local health care facilities.
“The environmental health practitioners will continue to support and monitor the school on safe food measures on a regular basis. The department will continue to support the school, and render psychosocial support to learners and teachers,” Majuba said.
He extended his appreciation to all who supported the bereaved families and the school during this difficult time.
