BUHLEBESIZWE – Zamintuthuko Primary School suspended all vendors on 09 June 2026 after five pupils under the age of 15 reportedly fell ill. Two of the learners were taken to a local clinic following allegations that they had eaten spoiled popcorn purchased from vendors operating at the school.
According to Ward Councillor Tenboy Dube, the school acted immediately after the incident and suspended all vendors from operating on the premises pending further investigation.
“The principal called me and explained what transpired at the school yesterday [09 June 2026],” Dube told Highveld Chronicle.
“She said five children under the age of 15 were affected after they allegedly ate spoiled popcorn that they bought from vendors at the school, and two of them were rushed to the nearest local clinic.”
Dube said the school retained the popcorn for inspection and investigation.
“They kept the popcorn for inspection and investigation,” he said.
He added that the school would engage relevant stakeholders and conduct inspections to help prevent similar incidents in future.
A parent, Zimkhona Mabena, whose child was among those taken to the clinic, described the incident.
“I got a call from the school yesterday stating that my child is not well and is sick. This comes after she ate popcorn she bought from the school vendors,” she said.
“They took her to the clinic and the nurse evaluated her. The nurse told me that my child was indeed affected by something she ate. However, they do not know whether it was the popcorn, the school feeding scheme, or something she may have eaten at home.”
The publication visited the school for comment. Principal Sylvia Sefane referred enquiries to the circuit office.
The circuit office had not responded to Highveld Chronicle's enquiries at the time of publication.
