School reeling after learner dies from suspected foodborne illness

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane is expected to visit Thabisile Primary School in Diepkloof in Soweto today.

This follows the death of an eight-year-old Grade two learner who fell ill and died on Friday last week after she had consumed biscuits allegedly bought from a local spaza shop.

Gauteng Education Department Spokesperson, Steve Mabona says support teams have also been dispatched to the school.

“The MEC will subsequently visit the family of the deceased learner to extend his condolences. Psycho-social support teams have also been dispatched to the school to provide learners and staff with necessary support.”

𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬

Gauteng Education MEC @matomekopano will visit Thabisile Primary School in Diepkloof, Soweto on Monday, 25 November 2024, following the tragic passing of an 8-year-old Grade 2 girl learner on Friday, 22 November 2024. pic.twitter.com/ky5g73XXIe

— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) November 25, 2024

This also comes after the burial of five-year-old Siyabonga Mnisi, also from Diepkloof, who fell ill and passed on after he consumed snacks allegedly bought from a local spaza shop.

Mnisi was due to graduate from Grade R on the same day he passed, however, his school decided to postpone the graduation ceremony in his honour.

The little boy’s death has left the Diepkloof community feeling angry and they have since closed some of the local spaza shops in the area.

Foodborne Illnesses | Five-year-old Siyabonga Mnisi from Diepkloof laid to rest: