The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng welcomes the decision announced by the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, to stop the awarding of a R9.8 billion tender which would have centralised procurement for the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) under a single service provider. This decision comes in the wake of a R1 billion tender feeding scheme scandal, resulting in Gauteng pupils going to school with empty stomachs.
Currently, each province runs its own NSNP, which ensures that millions of students receive at least one meal. However, the DA’s inspections of schools in Gauteng have uncovered a troubling trend of irregularities, insufficient food supplies, and low-quality meals being provided to the students. 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.
We welcome the Minister’s assurance that the feeding programme will continue while the problematic tender is being scrutinised. 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.
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. We urge 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.
The DA will continue to monitor the situation closely and conduct further oversight inspections to ensure that the needs of our learners are met without further delay. The education and future of our children must always come first, and those awarded tenders to provide school nutrition should be held accountable for the services they offer.