Food poisoning scare hits Whittlesea matric revision camp

Whittlesea — Thirty-nine learners attending a matric revision programme at Ekuphumleni High School in Whittlesea were rushed to Hewu Hospital after a food poisoning scare on 3 May 2026.

According to the Eastern Cape Department of Education, the learners experienced vomiting and running stomach shortly after eating supper at around 18:00.

The learners were part of 194 matric candidates attending the Learner Attainment Improvement Strategy Grade 12 Level 1 and 2 incubation programme at Ekuphumleni High School.

The department said Ekuphumleni was one of seven Komani Circuit Management revision centres held from 30 April to 3 May 2026 across the Chris Hani East Education District.

The centres were aimed at helping Grade 12 learners improve their performance ahead of the upcoming midyear examinations.

Most learners discharged

Of the 39 learners taken to hospital, 37 were discharged after being monitored for a few hours.

The department said the 37 learners were discharged the same night and returned to the centre.

Two learners were admitted. According to the department, one was monitored for piles, while the other was treated for what was described as a stomach bug. Both learners were discharged on 4 May, around noon.

Food samples taken

The department said samples of the supper consumed by the learners, were taken by the Department of Health for testing.

The 194 learners at the centre came from Ekuphumleni, Funda, Zolani, Nompumelelo and Zamokuhle high schools.

Both the Department of Health and the Department of Education are monitoring the learners while awaiting the results of the food sample tests.

The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.