DBE Refutes Allegations Over National School Nutrition Programme Modernisation

In a statement, Mweli clarified that the NSNP tender was not published "surreptitiously" or during a period without a Minister, as the article suggested.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has strongly refuted recent claims concerning the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), following a controversial report by the Sunday Times on August 18, 2024. The article, titled "Gwarube halts R10bn school food tender," was described by Director General Mathanzima Mweli as being riddled with "inaccuracies, fabrications, and falsehoods."

In a statement, Mweli clarified that the NSNP tender was not published "surreptitiously" or during a period without a Minister, as the article suggested. The tender was officially released on July 22, 2024, weeks after the new administration had taken office. He emphasized that the process was transparent and followed all legal protocols, with consultations involving the National Treasury and Senior Counsel to ensure compliance.

Modernisation of NSNP: A Strategic Move

Mweli further addressed allegations that the modernisation of the NSNP was devised for corrupt purposes. He explained that the modernization efforts began as early as July 2023, with extensive discussions involving the Heads of Education Committee (HEDCOM) and the Council of Education Ministers (CEM). The final model for modernization was adopted by CEM in early 2024, well before the tender's publication.

He defended the modernization initiative, which aims to enhance the quality of meals provided to learners by maximizing the government's purchasing power through economies of scale. This initiative, according to Mweli, is crucial for improving the nutrition of children in quintiles 1-3 schools, the poorest in the country, especially in the context of increased demand following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing Misconceptions

Mweli also dispelled the notion that the tender would be awarded to a single entity, labeling such claims as "mischief-making." He highlighted that the modernisation model includes a focus on Local Economic Development (LED), with provisions for supporting small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and smallholder farmers. The programme aims to create over 30,000 sustainable jobs and support thousands of small businesses, aligning with the DBE's broader objectives of poverty alleviation and economic empowerment.

Commitment to Poverty Alleviation

The Director General reaffirmed that the modernization of the NSNP is in line with the 7th administration's strategic priority to optimize the social wage, reduce poverty, and combat the high cost of living for the poor. He criticized the portrayal of the program's modernization as prioritizing interests other than those of the learners, urging for a focus on the benefits that this initiative will bring to millions of children across South Africa.

Conclusion and Way Forward

Mweli concluded by expressing concern over the state of investigative journalism in the country, urging reporters to focus on the true story behind the modernization of the NSNP. He emphasized the DBE's commitment to transparency and its continued efforts to advance the program for the betterment of South Africa's youth.

The closing date for the NSNP modernization bid has been extended to August 29, 2024, allowing more time for stakeholders to engage with the process.