ABOUT 22 pupils from Tlotlompho Primary School in Ga-Rankuwa, Tshwane, were rushed to hospital on Thursday, 19 October.
This was confirmed by the Gauteng Department of Education, which said the pupils had fallen sick that morning.
According to the department spokesman Steve Mabona, out of the 22 pupils, only four were transferred to a hospital.
"According to information at our disposal, the affected learners started feeling sick after eating snacks allegedly bought from a street vendor. Accordingly, the said learners experienced vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and shortness of breath," he said.
Some were released into the care of their parents after receiving medical attention, and those referred to hospital were also discharged.
"Necessary medical tests were conducted for investigations," he said.
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Mabona said in another separate incident, 40 pupils from Reimolotswe Primary School in Winterveld, Tshwane, were also rushed to a local medical facility after consuming a type of snack called dibombolina which they allegedly bought from different hawkers around the school.
"Only three were attended at a local facility and discharged. Meanwhile, about 37 pupils were transferred and treated at the hospital after experiencing symptoms associated with diarrhoea, vomiting and headache and they were later discharged," he said.
"Fortunately, all were discharged, and only one was admitted," he said.
Mabona said the psycho-support officials will be sent to both schools for necessary support.
"We wish all learners a speedy recovery," he said.
"We'd like to urge SGBs, parents and the community at large to be vigilant at all times and check all foods/snacks sold in and around schools. Where it's suspected that the snacks might have expired, such information should be reported to the local authorities for necessary action. Schools must work jointly with school safety to conduct advocacy to learners on what is deemed to be dangerous," said Mabona.
Meanwhile, on 20 September 2023, almost 90 pupils from Pulamadibogo Primary School in Soshanguve were rushed to local medical facilities after experiencing nausea, stomach cramps and some vomiting from allegedly consuming space cookies.
