DBE Counters Claims about the National School Nutrition Programme Tender

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) in South Africa has addressed a series of misrepresentations reported by the Sunday Times regarding the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). With its swift response, the DBE is setting the record straight and shedding light on the NSNP modernization process.

Director General Mathanzima Mweli specifically refuted the claim that the NSNP tender was published during an administrative vacuum without a minister. He clarified that the tender's publication on July 22, 2024, was well timed, occurring several weeks after the new administration took office, thus countering the narrative of improper management and timing.

The modernization of the NSNP, an initiative pursued since July 2023, was thoroughly deliberated by the Heads of Education Committee (HEDCOM) and embraced by the Council of Education Ministers (CEM) early in 2024. Mweli emphasized the legitimacy of their processes, which included comprehensive discussions with the National Treasury and reviewing legal counsel from Senior Counsel.

Contrary to the allegations of unlawfulness, the DBE asserts that its modernization project not only followed legislative requirements but was also endorsed by the National Treasury and legal advisors.

Furthermore, the department dismissed the assertion of centralization, explaining that the objective is to utilize the government's buying power effectively, achieve economies of scale, secure better value for money, and improve meal quality for children. The underfunded NSNP has been stretched thin, and the post-Covid era has seen an increased demand to extend the program to more impoverished students—a challenge that the modernization seeks to address.

It's critical to note, according to Mweli, that the program modernization prioritizes learner interests by enhancing the support for combating poverty among school children, a fundamental objective of the NSNP since its inception under the democratic government.

Contrary to the accusation of potential corruption and the agenda to award the tender to a single entity, the DBE outlined that the inclusion of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), as well as smallholder farmers within the Local Economic Development framework, forms a cornerstone of the modernization plan. This approach is expected to augment local businesses, including those led by youth, women, and people with disabilities, potentially creating over 30,000 jobs—thereby contributing remarkably to local economies.

Lastly, the department highlighted that the tender's closing date had been extended to August 29, 2024, indicating the department's willingness to be transparent and allow thorough participation in the modernization bid. This reflects the DBE's commitment to strategic priority Number 2 of the 7th administration: reducing poverty and countering the cost-of-living challenges confronting the nation's poor.

As these clarifications emerge, the Department of Basic Education remains devoted to its long-standing mission: to uphold and improve the integrity of programs such as NSNP that directly impact the well-being and future of the country's children.