DGE sends psychosocial support team to Soweto school after pupil dies of alleged food contamination
Wednesday, a five-year-old boy died at a Diepkloof clinic allegedly after eating snacks bought from a local spaza shop.
Dumezweni Primary School in Soweto, Johannesburg. Picture: Google Maps
JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng Education Department has sent psychosocial support to teachers and staff at Dumezweni Primary School in Soweto after the death of a grade R learner allegedly caused by food contamination.
On Wednesday, a five-year-old boy died at a Diepkloof clinic, allegedly after eating snacks bought from a local spaza shop.
Three other children were also treated at the clinic but later discharged.
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While police are still investigating the cause of death, this is the latest fatal incident in a growing crisis of deaths caused by foodborne illness.
"In response to this devastating situation, the department has deployed its education support team to provide psychosocial services to the school community, ensuring that learners and staff receive the emotional and psychological support they need during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased learner and wish the hospitalised learners a speedy recovery," said Gauteng Education spokesperson, Steve Mabona.