Mongezi Koko24 November 2024 | 6:45

Reinstating food vendors at schools not rushed, says Gauteng Education Dept

Last week, the department reversed the ban, allowing vendors to resume sales provided they comply with strict health and safety regulations.

Reinstating food vendors at schools not rushed, says Gauteng Education Dept

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

JOHANNESBURG -The Gauteng Education Department says the reinstatement of food vendors at schools was carefully planned and not rushed.

This comes after a recent wave of food-related incidents that resulted in the tragic deaths of over 22 children, prompting the department to ban food vendors near public schools temporarily.

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Last week, the department reversed the ban, allowing vendors to resume sales, provided they comply with strict health and safety regulations.

Education MEC Matome Chiloane said the decision strikes a balance between protecting children and safeguarding the livelihoods of local traders.

“Still, I won’t allow them to sell at a school if they don’t have the necessary papers to sell and comply to sell, there we are not going to compromise.”