Food vendors protest ban on selling near schools

Food sellers protested at the Gauteng department of education's offices in Johannesburg yesterday demanding to be allowed to trade near schools again.

- Thando Nondywana

The department banned all vendors from selling inside and around schools last month after a spike in food poisoning incidents involving children in the province. The ban was later lifted for those who complied with requirements or had registered with the relevant authorities.

The group said they had been trying to get permission and apply for registration but have been given the runaround.

The department did not respond to requests for comment.