Allexer Namundjembo
Twenty two learners from Maria Mwengere Secondary School in Rundu were discharged from hospital after suspected food poisoning at the school’s hostel.
11 others remain in Rundu Hospital, receiving fluids and medical support. The ministry of education said in a press statement on Tuesday.
“Among them, 22 of them were discharged after receiving treatment, while 11 remains under the medical care receiving necessary fluids and support,” the executive director in the ministry of education Erastus Haitengela said,
Haitengela noted that early feedback from learners pointed to several food items served at the hostel as possible causes.
He said the education ministry and the health ministry have deployed health inspectors to the school to conduct a thorough investigation.
Regional leaders and activists have called for toxicology reports, deeper investigations, and stronger food safety education in villages across the region.
This comes as on Monday it came to light that at least 33 learners from the school were hospitalised due to suspected food poisoning.
According to the director of education in the Kavango East region, Christine Shilima, the food eaten for dinner was left over from Sunday lunch, which had been cooked in excess.
After consuming the meal, learners began experiencing symptoms that included stomach aches, headaches, body weakness and vomiting.
33 learners were rushed to the hospital that evening, with two admitted to the ICU.
There are about 680 learners in the hostel.
The Kavango regions have seen repeated food poisoning cases in recent years.
In June 2025, two toddlers died and five family members were hospitalised in Korokoko village, Ndiyona, after eating improperly prepared cassava.
In January, 19 people from Mavanze village in Kavango West were admitted to Rundu State Hospital after consuming oshikundu, a traditional drink. In May, families also reported falling ill from drought-relief maize meal and beans.
At least 21 deaths have been recorded in Ndiyona constituency over two years due to food poisoning, though some reports suggest higher figures.
Most cases involve unsafe preparation, poor storage, or eating toxic crops like cassava without proper processing.
