ActionSA has formally written to the MEC for Education, Mr. Sipho Hlomuka, regarding the alarming issue of non-payment to the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) Service Providers Association over the past three months.
This situation is particularly concerning as schools are set to recommence next week, and there is growing uncertainty about whether learners will have access to meals due to these unresolved challenges.
In our letter, we have urged the MEC to reassure the province that we will not witness a repeat of the catastrophic NSNP collapse that occurred in April 2023. This previous failure left over 2 million children without meals, a result of the Department of Education’s negligence in ensuring the delivery of meals to schools.
Furthermore, we are deeply troubled by the recent media statement from the NSNP Service Providers Association, which highlighted that:
“The department’s failure to address issues related to menu items and commodity price adjustments, particularly in light of the national food price crisis, is unacceptable.”
In light of this, we have requested the MEC to outline the measures the Department is implementing to address these critical issues. It is essential for the Department to act swiftly and effectively to prevent further disruptions to the nutrition programme.
We also seek clarification on the status of the contractual agreement with Pacina Retail Pty (LTD), which was a significant factor in the previous collapse of the nutrition programme. Understanding the current state of this agreement is crucial for ensuring accountability and preventing future failures.
Additionally, we have requested the MEC to provide transparency regarding any financial challenges the Department may be facing. If such issues exist, it is imperative to understand their implications for learners and the provision of meals in schools.
ActionSA remains committed to advocating for the well-being and education of our children.
We urge the MEC for Education to take immediate action to resolve these issues and ensure that no child goes hungry when schools reopen.
Although ActionSA does not have representation in the KZN Legislature, we will continue to serve as a constructive opposition. We are committed to holding the DA/ANC/IFP coalition accountable for their failure to deliver services to the people of KZN.
ActionSA Expresses Concern Over Non-Payment of NSNP Service Providers
ActionSA has formally written to the MEC for Education, Mr. Sipho Hlomuka, regarding the alarming issue of non-payment to the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) Service Providers Association over the past three months.
This situation is particularly concerning as schools are set to recommence next week, and there is growing uncertainty about whether learners will have access to meals due to these unresolved challenges.
In our letter, we have urged the MEC to reassure the province that we will not witness a repeat of the catastrophic NSNP collapse that occurred in April 2023. This previous failure left over 2 million children without meals, a result of the Department of Education’s negligence in ensuring the delivery of meals to schools.
Furthermore, we are deeply troubled by the recent media statement from the NSNP Service Providers Association, which highlighted that:
“The department’s failure to address issues related to menu items and commodity price adjustments, particularly in light of the national food price crisis, is unacceptable.”
In light of this, we have requested the MEC to outline the measures the Department is implementing to address these critical issues. It is essential for the Department to act swiftly and effectively to prevent further disruptions to the nutrition programme.
We also seek clarification on the status of the contractual agreement with Pacina Retail Pty (LTD), which was a significant factor in the previous collapse of the nutrition programme. Understanding the current state of this agreement is crucial for ensuring accountability and preventing future failures.
Additionally, we have requested the MEC to provide transparency regarding any financial challenges the Department may be facing. If such issues exist, it is imperative to understand their implications for learners and the provision of meals in schools.
ActionSA remains committed to advocating for the well-being and education of our children.
We urge the MEC for Education to take immediate action to resolve these issues and ensure that no child goes hungry when schools reopen.
Although ActionSA does not have representation in the KZN Legislature, we will continue to serve as a constructive opposition. We are committed to holding the DA/ANC/IFP coalition accountable for their failure to deliver services to the people of KZN.