Nhlanhla Mabaso 14 November 2024 | 13:47

KZN Premier says food vendors in schools should be supported not barred

The Premier says preventing vendors from selling may contribute to rising levels of unemployment.

KZN Premier says food vendors in schools should be supported not barred

FILE: Informal street vendors wait for clients in front of a wall that reads “BOOKED FOR EFF (Economic Freedom Fighters) ” during a campaign rally at the Alexandra stadium in Johannesburg on 27 April 2024. Picture: EMMANUEL CROSET/AFP

DURBAN - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said that food vendors in schools across the province should be supported to sell proper food instead of being barred from operating.  

Early in November, around 50 learners were hospitalised after consuming food allegedly bought from food vendors.  

READ: 'You created the problem': Gauteng residents react to GDE order to suspend sale of food at schools

The Premier said that preventing vendors from selling may contribute to rising levels of unemployment.  

He, however, said that government had to assist their businesses.

"Assist them to source their products in the right places and even to support where is necessary financially so that their business operates in a manner where it will not open itself to chances of what we are seeing regarding the issue of substances that are detrimental to children."