IN CONVERSATION WITH STEVE MABONA.
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A Grade 10 learner from Orange Farm Secondary School in Gauteng has tragically passed away after consuming snacks allegedly purchased from a spaza shop near her home.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane confirmed that the learner fell ill shortly after eating the snacks and was taken to a local clinic, where she was pronounced dead.
The school was informed of the incident several days later.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, the school community, and all those affected by this tragic incident,” said MEC Chiloane.
In response to the incident, Chiloane called for increased vigilance and urged parents, learners, and communities to avoid purchasing food from unauthorised spaza shops or unregulated vendors, warning that such food items pose serious health risks.
“It is unfortunate that we continue to witness tragic outcomes from consuming unauthorised or unverified food items. We urge communities to exercise caution and protect our children from preventable harm, especially from unauthorised spaza shops,” added MEC Chiloane.
In a separate incident last month, a Grade 11 learner from Lesedi Secondary School in Lethabong, Pretoria East, was fatally stabbed by a schoolmate.
Chiloane said the attack was allegedly carried out by a Grade 12 learner who had not attended school that day.
Preliminary reports indicate that the assailant arrived after hours, as students were preparing to board their scholar transport, and stabbed the Grade 11 learner just outside the school yard.
The victim was rushed to Lethabong Healthcare Clinic, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane confirmed that the learner fell ill shortly after eating the snacks and was taken to a local clinic, where she was pronounced dead.
The school was informed of the incident several days later.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, the school community, and all those affected by this tragic incident,” said MEC Chiloane.
In response to the incident, Chiloane called for increased vigilance and urged parents, learners, and communities to avoid purchasing food from unauthorised spaza shops or unregulated vendors, warning that such food items pose serious health risks.
“It is unfortunate that we continue to witness tragic outcomes from consuming unauthorised or unverified food items. We urge communities to exercise caution and protect our children from preventable harm, especially from unauthorised spaza shops,” added MEC Chiloane.
In a separate incident last month, a Grade 11 learner from Lesedi Secondary School in Lethabong, Pretoria East, was fatally stabbed by a schoolmate.
Chiloane said the attack was allegedly carried out by a Grade 12 learner who had not attended school that day.
Preliminary reports indicate that the assailant arrived after hours, as students were preparing to board their scholar transport, and stabbed the Grade 11 learner just outside the school yard.
The victim was rushed to Lethabong Healthcare Clinic, where he was declared dead on arrival.