The civil society group Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX) has raised concerns over the government’s recent decision to ban food sales near school premises following outbreaks of foodborne illness that sickened hundreds of students across several provinces.
KAAX argues that the ban disproportionately harms informal traders, especially black women, who rely on school-area vending as their primary income source. Dr. Dale McKinley, spokesperson for KAAX, described the decision as “rushed” and “panicked,” saying it unfairly targets long-standing vendors rather than investigating the actual sources of contamination.
“This decision appears to lack consultation and planning,” McKinley said. “Many of these informal traders have been selling near schools for years and are not simply selling random items. They have established agreements with schools, and their livelihoods depend on these sales.”
McKinley emphasized that instead of a blanket ban, the government should investigate suppliers and identify the true source of the foodborne illnesses. KAAX believes that a more targeted approach would better protect students' health while preserving the livelihoods of small-scale traders.
The government has yet to respond to KAAX's concerns, and it remains unclear how long the ban will remain in effect.