COSAS responds after 39 Whittlesea learners hospitalised

The Congress of South African Students (COSAS) in the Chris Hani Region has issued a formal response following the hospitalisation of 39 learners in Whittlesea, describing the situation as serious and calling for calm as investigations continue.

The statement comes after earlier reports confirmed that dozens of learners were rushed to hospital under circumstances that have not yet been officially explained.

COSAS acknowledged that the incident has caused concern among parents, educators and learners across the area, saying it understands the anxiety surrounding the situation.

COSAS on the ground

According to the organisation, its leadership is already on the ground in Whittlesea, engaging directly with schools and relevant stakeholders in an effort to establish what led to the incident.

COSAS said it is treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves and is working to ensure that only accurate and verified information is communicated to the public.

At this stage, the cause of the learners’ illness or hospitalisation has not been confirmed by authorities.

Health and safety a priority

COSAS emphasised that the immediate priority remains the health and safety of the affected learners.

The organisation has urged communities to remain calm while official investigations are ongoing, warning against the spread of unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic.

Parents have been encouraged to maintain close communication with schools for updates, while school authorities have been urged to stay alert and report any unusual developments without delay.

Precautionary advice issued

As a precaution, COSAS has advised learners to be cautious about food consumption, stressing the importance of ensuring that food is properly handled and sourced from trusted providers.

While no link has been officially confirmed, the advisory comes amid broader concern whenever multiple learners fall ill in a short period.

COSAS said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.

“We stand in solidarity with the affected learners and their families during this difficult time,” the organisation said.

Developing situation

At the time of publication, no further official details had been released regarding the condition of the learners or the cause of the incident.

Authorities are expected to provide clarity once investigations have been completed.

This remains a developing story.