TZANEEN – Vendors who sell food at schools around Tzaneen protested after they were forbidden to continue selling at schools.
The new regulation was implemented on Monday, October 28 and is valid until further notice. This comes after incidences of food poisoning from products sold by vendors outside school grounds were reported countrywide.
The group of vendors told the Herald they mostly sell fat cakes, chips, achar, sweets, ice pops and snacks.
They walked to the Mopani District Education Centre in Agatha Street where they handed a letter to a department official.
The group said they buy their products from retailers and wholesalers and are not responsible for the items they sell.
They asked the government to deal with the problem at the source and not punish the distributors.
In the letter, they ask the department to reconsider their decision as the regulation has left them financially vulnerable.
“We are committed to providing fresh, high-quality food that adheres to health and safety regulations. To alleviate safety concerns, we can provide documentation showing where our ingredients have been sourced, the preparation process and regular inspection. We request a meeting where both parties’ concerns can be addressed,” the letter reads.
Cathrine Muhlava told the Herald that she is a graduate and has been looking for employment without any success.
She resorted to selling at a school which has helped her to put food on the table.
According to Limpopo’s Department of Education department head Martin Mashaba, the temporary suspension is to allow them to investigate without interruptions.
He said they are working hard to ensure that the vendors can return to selling as soon as possible.
Tanaiya Lees
www.citizen.co.za
