Staff reporter
Bloemfontein – The Free State Department of Education is once again under fire following fresh conditions at Bainsvlei Combined School.
Just two weeks after reports exposed poor living conditions at the boys’ hostel, new claims have emerged that pupils suffered two separate food poisoning incidents over the past two years after consuming contaminated food.
Earlier reports highlighted broken hand-washing basins, torn blankets, bed bug infestations and an empty kitchen, raising serious concerns about the welfare of learners and how food budgets are being managed.
A source with knowledge of the matter, speaking anonymously, claimed the first incident was severe enough for pupils to be transported by ambulance to National Hospital.
During the second incident, health officials treated sick pupils at the hostel.
The source further explained that when Dr Mamiki “Mathlabs” Maboya and officials from the South African Human Rights Commission visited the school, they were shown the girls’ hostel instead of the boys’ facility where complaints were centered.
It is also understood that a detailed report concerning the matter is sitting with Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality Environmental Affairs without action.
Attempts to obtain comments from environmental health officials at Mangaung Metro were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
Nozi Moroka, Environmental Health Practioner at MMM said she will refer our quires to communication team, we are still waiting.
This publication will continue monitoring the situation and plans an unannounced visit to the school.
Any findings will be escalated to the Department of Social Development, Department of Labour and Department of Basic Education, with accountability sought from the principal Motseki, District Director, December Moloi, HOD, Advocate Humphrey Malakoane and MEC Mamiki Maboya.
Anywhere but Free State heads were going to roll but they won’t because money from proceeds of crime is exchanging hands to buy protection.
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