By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Twenty-four children rushed to hospital in Mpumalanga, after eating snacks bought from a spaza shop outside their school.
Fullview understands the pupils fell ill earlier on Thursday after displaying symptoms including stomach cramps and vomiting.
Provincial Education Department spokesperson Gerald Sambo confirmed that the pupils from Enzani Primary School in Matsulu were rushed to Rob Ferreira Hospital in Mbombela.
Sambo says they are concerned about incidents of food poisoning at schools.
He added, that they are awaiting a report from the Health Department which will confirm what caused the children to fall sick.
On Thursday morning, while tabling the state of readiness for the management and writing of the class of 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, Education MEC Landulile Chathrine Dlamini urged all school management teams, school governing bodies, and parents to be extra vigilant about what learners eat both within the school premises and outside.
This comes after a similar incident was reported involving pupils from Marhagi Secondary School in Verena.
“Everyone must play a meaningful role in this regard and not take such matters for granted. Basic hygiene practices, such as washing of hands after using restrooms or before eating, must be strictly adhered to at all times, “said Dlamini.
The department said it will be monitoring the developments closely and will issue regular updates on the status of the learners.
In a separate incident yesterday, 16 learners at the Emmangweni primary school in Tembisa were hospitalised, after eating atchaar bought from two of their schoolmates.