Education Department to Ban Pesticides in Schools Amid Safety Concerns

Posted on November 22, 2024
by Yashmika Dukaran


The Department of Basic Education is preparing to implement a ban on the use of insecticides and pesticides in schools, in a move aimed at enhancing student safety.

Minister Siviwe Gwarube announced that regulations to enforce the ban will be gazetted soon. The decision forms part of a broader government strategy to address fatalities linked to food poisoning.

“We are prioritizing the safety of learners, particularly within School Nutrition Programmes,” Gwarube stated.

The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to protecting the health of children while ensuring the integrity of meals provided in schools. Further details on the rollout of the regulations are expected in the coming weeks.