ActionSA vehemently rejects the Department of Education’s (DoE) decision to slashing of funding for the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), which benefits over 2 million learners in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
The Department’s explanation of budget constraints, as outlined in the KZN NSNP Circular No. 33 of 2024 dated 25/03/2024, cites the rising number of learners annually.
And with this revelation by the Department, we fear that more schools will soon suffer, leaving behind a negative impact on learners such as:
1. Academic Performance: Hunger and malnutrition can have a negative impact on concentration, memory and cognitive function, which will lead to decreased academic function.
2. Social & emotional well-being: Lack of food can lead to stress and anxiety as well as a low self esteem amongst learners.
3. Inequality: This will widen the inequality gap, as children from disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately affected by food insecurity and its consequences.
Anticipating and planning for this growth is a fundamental responsibility of the government, yet it has failed to do so.
This reckless decision jeopardises the well-being of learners, many of whom come from impoverished backgrounds and rely on school meals for sustenance.
The memories of last year’s NSNP collapse, leaving millions of learners without food for months, loom large. We fear a recurrence of this crisis if immediate action is not taken is inevitable.
During our oversight visit to Dumakude Secondary School in uMzimkhulu Municipality, we discovered that they were not receiving NSNP support, raising concerns that Dumakude may not be the only school in our province facing this issue.
ActionSA in KZN will prioritise adequate funding for the NSNP, recognising the dire consequences of its absence. We refuse to allow learners to endure hunger due to failed planning. It is our duty to rectify these failures and restore hope for our people.
ActionSA stood as the sole political party that fought the government when the NSNP crisis erupted in our province, resulting in millions of learners enduring months without food.
We effectively held the DoE accountable for their reckless decisions, which had a detrimental impact on countless learners.
ActionSA continues to be the alternative for residents of KZN, as we are the sole political party that fights for the interests of those from underprivileged backgrounds.
South Africa cannot continue down a path of neglect. ActionSA remains committed to delivering tangible solutions and building a brighter future for all learners.
ActionSA Rejects Reduced Funding of the NSNP by the DoE for 2024/25 Financial Year
ActionSA vehemently rejects the Department of Education’s (DoE) decision to slashing of funding for the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), which benefits over 2 million learners in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
The Department’s explanation of budget constraints, as outlined in the KZN NSNP Circular No. 33 of 2024 dated 25/03/2024, cites the rising number of learners annually.
And with this revelation by the Department, we fear that more schools will soon suffer, leaving behind a negative impact on learners such as:
1. Academic Performance: Hunger and malnutrition can have a negative impact on concentration, memory and cognitive function, which will lead to decreased academic function.
2. Social & emotional well-being: Lack of food can lead to stress and anxiety as well as a low self esteem amongst learners.
3. Inequality: This will widen the inequality gap, as children from disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately affected by food insecurity and its consequences.
Anticipating and planning for this growth is a fundamental responsibility of the government, yet it has failed to do so.
This reckless decision jeopardises the well-being of learners, many of whom come from impoverished backgrounds and rely on school meals for sustenance.
The memories of last year’s NSNP collapse, leaving millions of learners without food for months, loom large. We fear a recurrence of this crisis if immediate action is not taken is inevitable.
During our oversight visit to Dumakude Secondary School in uMzimkhulu Municipality, we discovered that they were not receiving NSNP support, raising concerns that Dumakude may not be the only school in our province facing this issue.
ActionSA in KZN will prioritise adequate funding for the NSNP, recognising the dire consequences of its absence. We refuse to allow learners to endure hunger due to failed planning. It is our duty to rectify these failures and restore hope for our people.
ActionSA stood as the sole political party that fought the government when the NSNP crisis erupted in our province, resulting in millions of learners enduring months without food.
We effectively held the DoE accountable for their reckless decisions, which had a detrimental impact on countless learners.
ActionSA continues to be the alternative for residents of KZN, as we are the sole political party that fights for the interests of those from underprivileged backgrounds.
South Africa cannot continue down a path of neglect. ActionSA remains committed to delivering tangible solutions and building a brighter future for all learners.