Central SA
Accountability sought after food poisoning at Free State school─── ZENANDE MPAME 12:44 Tue, 18 Mar 2025
The Free State Department of Education has been called to account regarding suppliers and contractors responsible for providing food at matric camps after learners reported symptoms consistent with food poisoning.
The possible food poisoning at Kagisho Comprehensive Secondary School left 214 learners experiencing symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and fever.
The learners attended a study camp when an unconfirmed incident occurred on Sunday, 9 March. Of the 355 who attended the camp, 214 fell ill and were transported to local health facilities.
“The DA is pushing for immediate answers and accountability regarding the food poisoning outbreak at Kagisho Comprehensive Secondary School after multiple learners fell ill after consuming food at a matric camp,” said Free State DA education spokesperson Dulandi Leech.
“We will hold the department accountable by insisting on transparency about the suppliers and contractors responsible for providing food at matric camps.”
The camps are vital for academic success in the Free State, yet the department has failed to implement adequate safety measures to protect learners, she said.
All 214 learners affected by the suspected food poisoning incident were treated and discharged to their respective homes on Monday, 10 March.
Learners were sent to local health facilities. Photo supplied
Environmental health practitioners were activated to investigate the cause of the incident and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences and the outbreak response team implemented control measures to prevent the further spread of the illness.
“We urge all parties to allow the Mangaung outbreak response team to complete its thorough investigation into the matter before making any conclusions or casting aspersions,” said Free State Education spokesperson Howard Ndaba.
“We appreciate the concern shown by the DA and other stakeholders regarding the possible food poisoning incident at Kagisho Comprehensive Secondary School. Their interest in the well-being and safety of our learners is noted and valued.”
The department is committed to transparency and accountability, and we will provide updates on the investigation’s progress and findings in due course, he said.
