Statement by Sanet Steenkamp: Government measures to improve hostel safety after Maria Mwengere food poisoning incident

Statement by Sanet Steenkamp, member of parliament and minister of education, National Assembly, 30 September 2025

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I rise to inform this house about the serious incident of suspected food poisoning that occurred at Maria Mwengere Secondary School Hostel in the Kavango East region on Sunday, 31 August 2025, and to outline the measures undertaken by the ministry to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.

The incident came to light on 1 September 2025, when reports circulated on social media of pupils being rushed to Rundu State Hospital. In total, 125 pupils presented with gastroenteritis-related symptoms. Of these, 33 were admitted for suspected food poisoning, while 36 were kept under observation. Two pupils required high care but have since stabilised. All affected pupils have now fully recovered.

Key investigation findings
A committee of officials from the ministries of health and education, NamWater, the Namibian Police, and regional stakeholders conducted a thorough investigation, which revealed:

• Water quality: Tests showed chlorine levels of 2.2 mg/l in the hostel’s water storage tanks, above safe standards. The water also showed visible discoloration. In the absence of formal communication to stop use of the contaminated tanks, pupils continued consuming the water, which is considered the primary contributor to the outbreak.
  
• Food preparation: Pupils reported undercooked sausages served on 25 August, though no spoiled food was detected from the supplier.
  
• Cold storage: The hostel cold room has been non-functional for two to three years, leading to spoilage of fruits and vegetables. This was eliminated as a direct cause, though it highlighted infrastructure gaps.
  
• Kitchen hygiene: Food handlers have not undergone medical testing since 2014 and lacked protective clothing such as aprons, boots, and caps. Waste bins were kept inside the kitchen, and animals were found roaming near food preparation areas.
  
• Menu adherence: Records showed hostel staff substituted food items without approval, deviating from the prescribed menu.
  
• Other cases: Some day scholars and one staff member who had not eaten hostel food also fell ill, supporting the conclusion that contaminated water was the main cause.
  

Ministry interventions

Short-term measures (ongoing):

• Repair and maintenance of hostel cold room facilities (procurement already underway).
  
• Urgent replacement of contaminated water tank with two elevated 10 000-litre tanks.
  
• Enforcement of waste management and hygiene protocols in hostel kitchens.
  
• Reinforcement of menu adherence, with substitutions allowed only by written approval.
  
• Provision of protective uniforms and annual medical testing for food handlers.
  

Long-term measures:

• Development of a food safety and outbreak response plan at hostel level.
  
• Implementation of a regional maintenance plan prioritising hostel infrastructure.
  

Conclusion
The well-being of pupils remains a top priority for the ministry and its stakeholders. The outbreak at Maria Mwengere Secondary School hostel is a sobering reminder of the need to strengthen hostel management systems, ensure safe water supply, and uphold food safety standards.

Corrective and preventive measures will be implemented at this school and extended to all government hostels nationwide. The ministry will continue to update the house on progress made.

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