With the new school year underway, food vendors say they are taking extra precautions to ensure learner safety.
It follows a devastating spate of food-borne illnesses that claimed more than 30 young lives last year.
Of the 41 food-borne related deaths reported, at-least 38 were children.
The tragedy prompted calls from communities for government to regulate unregistered spaza shops and street vendors.
Mam’Lucy Mate’s magwinya (Vetkoek) business, located outside Nellmapius Secondary School in Mamelodi, Pretoria, was severely impacted by the restrictions imposed on vendors.
Determined to regain parents’ trust, she says she’s now using every measure to maintain cleanliness, including regularly disinfecting her stall with bleach.
Mam’Lucy emphasised her commitment to selling healthy food and ensuring the country’s young people can grow up and secure quality jobs.
“I got my certificate to sell at the school. I want to work, but not to sell poisoned food,” she said.
“I want these kids to grow up and get good jobs, unlike me. I’m using every kind of detergent to make sure it’s clean and hygienic, so these kids don’t get sick.”
Gauteng Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has expressed confidence that this year will not see a repeat of the wave of food-borne illnesses that claimed the lives of 30 children last year.
She was in the capital city to inspect the readiness of some schools and clinics as the new academic year kicks off.
Nkomo-Ralehoko claims the fact that food-borne illnesses are not increasing indicates that government’s interventions are working.
“The fact that we’re not seeing an increase in food-borne illnesses means our efforts are paying off,” she said.
The health MEC says inspectors have been deployed across the province to ensure food vendor compliance.
Other street vendors also emphasised that they would be beefing up hygiene measures to keep learners safe.
This includes registering their businesses and ensuring compliance with health regulations.
Written by: Naomi Kobbie
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