The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng demands an urgent investigation into the latest case of food poisoning that claimed the life of a learner from Wilhelmina Hoskins Primary School in Riverlea, Johannesburg, this week.
The safety and well-being of learners must be prioritised through immediate and decisive action. This 2024 academic year has been marred by over 20 tragic deaths of learners in the province.
The City of Johannesburg health officials are not doing enough to ensure compliance of spaza shops. This follows previous tragic incidents in Gauteng schools involving alleged food poisoning.
The DA flagged these incidents several months ago and repeatedly called on the Gauteng Education Department to implement comprehensive safety audits in and around school communities, to collaborate with local authorities and to address the proliferation of food vendors selling questionable products in and around schools.
Equally alarming is the shooting of a Grade 7 learner from the same school at his family home. This underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts between the Gauteng Department of Education, law enforcement, and community stakeholders to address the broader societal issues that threaten the lives and futures of our children.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and school community of the two learners from Wilhelmina Hoskins Primary School.
The DA will continue to advocate for safer schools and communities across Gauteng. The loss of one learner is one too many. Words of condolence must now be backed by swift, effective action to prevent further heartbreak for Gauteng’s learners and their families.