Decision to halt R9.8 billion school nutrition tender welcomed

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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng says it welcomes the decision to stop the awarding of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) tender.

This comes after basic education minister, Siviwe Gwarube, put on ice a R9.8 billion tender which would have centralised procurement for a single service provider.

According to the party, this decision comes in the wake of a R1 billion tender feeding scheme scandal, resulting in Gauteng pupils going to school with empty stomachs.

DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, Sergio Isa Dos Santos revealed that currently, each province runs its own NSNP, which ensures that millions of students receive at least one meal. 

However, he says inspections of schools in Gauteng have uncovered a troubling trend of irregularities, insufficient food supplies, and low-quality meals being provided to the students.

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“From Mohlakeng in the West Rand to Orlando East in the South of Johannesburg and Vosloorus in Ekurhuleni, schools are facing delays and incomplete deliveries.

“At times, the quality of the food is so poor that it cannot be consumed. These issues stem from disputes over a R1 billion tender,” he adds.

Meals … primary source of nutrition

Dos Santos highlighted that they welcome the minister’s assurance that the feeding programme will continue while the problematic tender is being scrutinised.

He continued; “It is important that this crucial intervention by the minister does not suspend the programme and that learners continue to receive these very important daily meals as, in most cases, it is their primary source of nutrition.

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“The DA in Gauteng commend the minister’s commitment to prioritise the well-being of our children, which should be the main focus of every education department.”

He further urged the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to follow her lead in addressing the issues with the school feeding schemes in the province instead of denying their existence, as this is worsening the situation.