The source of the recent food poisoning incident is still under investigation, with suspicions centered on school nutrition programs.
Following a recent food poisoning incident that affected 110 children at Tamaho Primary School in Katlehong, Pelisa Nkunjana, the whip of council for Ekurhuleni, expressed deep concern over the increasing number of foodborne illnesses across the city.
Describing the situation as “tragic,” Nkunjana stressed the urgent need for collective action to prevent further incidents. She called for more rigorous enforcement of food safety regulations to protect vulnerable communities. “I fully support the call made by Gauteng MEC for Finance, Lebogang Maile, urging the President to declare a state of emergency over food poisoning in South Africa,” Nkunjana said. “The government cannot afford to be complacent while children suffer in our townships and informal settlements.”
The cause of the recent food poisoning outbreak remains under investigation, with suspicions pointing to both school nutrition programs and informal food vendors operating near schools. This incident is part of a broader, troubling trend in the province, which has seen over 200 similar cases and at least 20 fatalities in recent months.
Acknowledging the frustration expressed by local residents, particularly their calls to shut down spaza shops, Nkunjana urged caution. “While we understand the community’s anger and demand for accountability, we must carefully consider the potential economic consequences of a complete shutdown,” she said. “Rather than closing down businesses, we call for intensified compliance campaigns to ensure that all vendors and spaza shops adhere to established food safety standards.”
Nkunjana emphasized the need for stricter enforcement, particularly for vendors operating without proper documentation or selling expired goods. “Those failing to meet safety regulations must be held accountable according to our municipal by-laws,” she stated.
The council member also encouraged residents to report any suspected food safety violations to local authorities rather than taking matters into their own hands. “We urge communities to report concerns to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), or their local municipal offices,” Nkunjana said. “Ward councillors and community committees must collaborate with stakeholders to ensure food safety compliance among local vendors.”
In response to growing concerns, the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has pledged to increase efforts to monitor and enforce food safety standards. The municipality remains committed to safeguarding the health of its residents and addressing food security challenges in the region.
