A feeding scheme at the Nelson Ngobeni Primary School in Mpumalanga has been suspended pending an investigation into the deaths of three pupils and the hospitalisation of 10 others from suspected food poisoning.
Provincial Education Department spokesperson Jasper Zwane says although the source of the poison has not been established, the food which is usually served at the school will be discontinued until the investigation is finalised.
“We would investigate the food they are eating but also to understand what might have happened on their way home,” Zwane added.
Silas Mabena, the father of seven-year-old Zamokuhle who was one of the learners who died, says he can’t believe his child is gone.
“On Monday, the school called us to say our child had fainted,” a devastated Silas said.
“The MEC has also suspended the nutrition programme at the school until such time we receive the report from the department of health,” Zwane said.
