Another learner dies in Gauteng after allegedly consuming biscuits from spaza shop in Soweto! The community of Diepkloof, Soweto, is reeling from the tragic death of an eight-year-old Grade 2 learner from Thabisile Primary School.
The Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, has expressed profound sadness over the incident, which occurred on Friday. The learner’s passing, reportedly linked to consuming biscuits from a local spaza shop, has raised concerns about food safety and learner well-being.
The Timeline of a Tragedy
The ordeal began last Wednesday when the young learner reportedly consumed biscuits purchased from a nearby spaza shop.
Another learner dies in Gauteng
According to the Gauteng Department of Education, her condition worsened over the following two days. Despite being rushed to Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital on Friday, she was tragically declared deceased.
At this stage, the exact cause of her death remains undetermined, with investigations underway to uncover the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident.
Support for the School Community
The Gauteng Department of Education has responded swiftly, dispatching its psycho-social support unit to Thabisile Primary School. The team is tasked with providing counselling to the affected family, learners, and staff members.
MEC Chiloane expressed his condolences and reiterated the department’s commitment to learner safety.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and school community during this difficult time. We remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all learners and will continue to monitor developments closely,” Chiloane said.
Similar Incident in Diepkloof
This tragedy follows closely on the heels of another incident in Diepkloof, where a five-year-old Grade R learner from Dumezweni Primary School died due to suspected food-borne illness. The child passed away on Wednesday, November 20, after experiencing severe symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea.
Three other learners from the same school—two girls in Grade R and Grade 1, and a boy in Grade 4—were also hospitalised after consuming snacks. The children, who live in the same yard and were playing together, began showing symptoms shortly after eating the snacks.
The five-year-old was declared deceased at a local medical facility, while the others were transferred to another hospital for further treatment.
Investigations and Inquest
In response to both incidents, authorities have launched investigations to determine the source of the suspected food contamination. Police have opened an inquest docket, and relevant health officials are working to uncover the cause of the illnesses and deaths.
These incidents have sparked widespread concern about the safety of food sold at informal shops and the potential risks posed to children.
Commitment to Learner Safety
MEC Chiloane has emphasized the provincial government’s commitment to the safety and well-being of learners.
“We remain dedicated to ensuring the safety of all children in our schools and communities. These tragic incidents serve as a wake-up call for stricter measures to regulate the quality of food accessible to learners,” he said.
The Department of Education is also urging parents and guardians to monitor what their children consume and report any suspicious food products to the authorities.
Broader Concerns About Food Safety
The back-to-back incidents in Diepkloof have highlighted the urgent need for stricter food safety measures, particularly in informal markets.
Many communities rely on spaza shops for affordable snacks and meals, but these establishments often operate without rigorous oversight.
Food-borne illnesses have become a growing concern, especially in low-income areas where regulatory enforcement may be limited. Public health experts are calling for enhanced inspections and better education for shop owners on proper food storage and handling practices.
Community Grief and Call to Action
The tragedies have left the Diepkloof community devastated. Vigils and memorials have been held to honor the young lives lost, with residents calling for swift action to prevent further incidents.
The deaths of these learners serve as a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of children and the need for collective action to ensure their safety. As investigations continue, the focus remains on bringing closure to the grieving families and implementing measures to prevent future tragedies.
Conclusion
The deaths of two young learners in Diepkloof within a week have brought immense grief to the community and raised critical questions about food safety. While investigations are ongoing, the Gauteng Department of Education is working to support the affected families and ensure the safety of learners across the province.
These incidents underscore the importance of vigilance and stricter regulations to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children, from preventable tragedies. The hope is that these heartbreaking events will lead to meaningful change, ensuring no more families endure such loss.