School Governing Body [SGB] Federation Supports Lifting of Food Sales Suspension in Limpopo Schools, but Opposes Additional Safety Monitoring Responsibilities
In a recent development, the School Governing Body (SGB) Federation has expressed support for the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council’s (EXCO) decision to lift the suspension on food sales within schools.
The suspension, previously enacted by the Department of Education, was lifted under new guidelines that require food vendors to produce verifiable documentation on the source of their products to ensure food safety for students.
Under these updated guidelines, vendors who can present valid health and safety documentation will be allowed to operate again. However, they must be registered with the school’s SGB and are required to sign a responsibility clause, which makes them accountable for meeting specified safety standards.
Derick Mosoana, convenor of the SGB Federation, applauded the decision as an important step in restoring the livelihoods of local food vendors, many of whom rely on sales at school premises as their primary income.
He emphasized that this measure is essential to the wellbeing of both vendors and the broader school community.
Despite their support, the SGB Federation voiced concerns over the new directive requiring SGBs to monitor food safety compliance. According to Mosoana, SGB members are volunteers from the community who take on these roles to provide strategic guidance and support to schools.
Adding the task of overseeing food safety compliance places undue pressure on them, he argued, stating that such a responsibility requires more specialized expertise.
“We call on the EXCO to reconsider this directive and explore other ways to ensure food safety in schools,” Mosoana said, highlighting the Federation’s belief that safety oversight should be conducted by professionals with the relevant training.
He reiterated the Federation’s commitment to supporting student and community welfare but stressed that SGBs may lack the resources and expertise to effectively manage these new safety monitoring requirements.
As the EXCO’s directive rolls out, the Federation plans to continue discussions with the council to identify feasible solutions that balance food safety with the practical realities faced by SGB members.
