The DA welcomes initial steps by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Education MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, aimed at restricting children from purchasing food stuffs from unregulated vendors.
This after a recently released statement, in which the Department of Education (DoE) states that it has instructed principals to ensure vendors trading “nearby” schools are vetted.
While it is currently unclear what legislation principals and schools may use to conduct this process, the DA believes it is a move in the right direction.
Two weeks ago, the DA wrote to the MEC, asking that he convene a special Education portfolio committee meeting to exchange policy ideas and identify stakeholders around the regulation of foodstuffs sold to children within the proximity of the province’s schools. We are still awaiting a response.
This matter is now extremely urgent given reports that a further seven uMthwalume learners were yesterday rushed to hospital after consuming snacks from a nearby trader.
The problem appears to be taking place in predominantly rural and particularly poor KZN communities emphasising the need for local government intervention – hence the DA’s call for collaboration with COGTA MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi to ensure enforceable mandates are implemented.
The DA will now write to KZN Education Chairperson, PATN Buthelezi, to request the urgent convening of a portfolio committee meeting in order to expedite this matter. Our children must be protected at all costs.