WHAT should have been a night of studying and preparation turned into a medical emergency for dozens of pupils.
Thirty-nine matric pupils were rushed to Hewu Hospital in Whittlesea, Eastern Cape on Saturday night, 2 May. This after falling ill with vomiting and stomach problems at the Ekuphumleni Matric Revision Centre.
The pupils had just finished eating supper when the nightmare began.
At about 6pm on Saturday, they started falling ill after allegedly eating pap and long-life milk. The symptoms came on suddenly, with vomiting and stomach problems spreading among the group.
The Eastern Cape Department of Education confirmed the incident in a statement.
Department spokesman Malibongwe Mtima said the affected pupils are part of 194 grade 12 candidates attending the Learner Attainment Improvement Strategy (LAIS) Level 1 and 2 incubation programme at Ekuphumleni High School.
They had gathered at the centre to boost their performance before the crucial midyear examinations.
"The centre is one of seven Komani Circuit Management Revision Centres running from 30 April to 3 May across the Chris Hani East Education district. The programme aims to boost the performance of Level 1 and 2 learners ahead of midyear examinations," said Mtima.
Fortunately, most of the pupils recovered quickly.
Of the 39 taken to Hewu Hospital, 37 were monitored for several hours and discharged the same night. They were able to rejoin their peers at the centre.
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"Two learners were admitted," Mtima said.
"One of the admitted learners was being monitored for piles, while the other was treated for a stomach bug. Both were discharged around noon on Sunday, 4 May."
The Department of Health has now taken samples of the pap and long-life milk served for supper. They're being sent for laboratory testing to determine what caused the illness.
"The 194 learners at the centre are from Ekuphumleni High School, Funda, Zolani, Nompumelelo and Zamokuhle high schools," said Mtima.
He added that both the health and education departments are keeping a close eye on the pupils while awaiting the results of the food sample tests.
