MEC DANTJIE VISITS FAMILIES OF POISONED CHILDREN AT BOIKHUTSO, DITSOBOTLA

• North West MEC for Social Development, Basetsana Sussana Dantjie, visited families in Boikhutso to caution children and parents about the dangers of consuming expired or unsafe food after three children fell ill from eating poisoned biscuits bought at a local tuckshop.
• As part of her visit, MEC Dantjie provided social relief in the form of food hampers to the affected families, emphasising the need for increased awareness and education on foodborne illnesses.
• Local ward committee members have intensified efforts to prevent similar incidents by visiting schools and early childhood centres, advising caregivers and parents to source fresh food and snacks from reputable retailers.

North West MEC for Social Development, Basetsana Sussana Dantjie, has urged three children who fell ill after eating poisoned biscuits to exercise caution when consuming food outside their homes. MEC Dantjie visited the families on Wednesday, accompanied by social workers, to provide support and raise awareness about the dangers of unsafe food.

Earlier this month, the three children, all minors, purchased a packet of glucose biscuits from a local tuckshop. Shortly after consuming them, they began experiencing severe vomiting and diarrhoea. They were quickly taken to Boikhutso Clinic for medical attention and later transferred to General Delarey Hospital. Thankfully, they recovered and were discharged after several days.

“Refrain from eating expired food and snacks sold on the streets. Never consume such items again,” MEC Dantjie firmly advised the children. She also urged parents to take proactive measures in educating their children about the risks of foodborne illnesses and to monitor their eating habits closely.

As part of her visit, MEC Dantjie provided the affected families with food hampers as social relief of distress. The visit forms part of her recently launched “Re Thuse Re Go Thuse” programme, aimed at providing relief and much-needed intervention to struggling communities. The initiative was officially launched in Ventersdorp on 14 November 2024.

During a meeting with the families in the Phola section of Boikhutso, ward committee member Yvonne Tsimele informed MEC Dantjie of local efforts to prevent similar incidents. “We took the time to visit all schools and early childhood development centres in our area to caution caregivers about foodborne illnesses. We’ve also advised parents to buy fresh fruit and snacks from reputable retailers to avert tragedies caused by consuming unsafe food from unregulated vendors,” Tsimele said.

MEC Dantjie’s visit underscores the importance of vigilance and community collaboration in protecting children from the dangers of unsafe and expired food products.