By Sello Masilo
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has firmly refuted allegations regarding the handling of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) tender. Director-General Mathanzima Mweli addressed the claims head-on, denying accusations of secrecy and corruption in the tender process for the R10 billion programme, which is crucial for providing meals to millions of South African learners.
Clarification of the Tender Process:
Mweli responded to a report published by the Sunday Times on 18 August 2024, which suggested that the DBE had issued the NSNP tender “surreptitiously” during a period when the department was without a minister. He clarified that the tender was published on 22 July 2024, well after the new administration took office, dismissing the claims as false and misleading. He emphasized that all procedures were conducted transparently and in full compliance with legal requirements, as confirmed by consultations with National Treasury and Senior Counsel.
Modernisation for Improved Service Delivery:
The DBE has been working on modernising the NSNP since July 2023, a process that involved extensive consultations with various educational bodies, including the Heads of Education Committee (HEDCOM) and the Council of Education Ministers (CEM). The objective of this modernisation is to maximise government purchasing power, improve the quality of meals provided to learners, and ensure better value for money. Mweli highlighted that the modernisation initiative aims to support the most vulnerable children, particularly in light of the increased demand for school meals post-COVID-19.
Addressing Allegations of Centralisation and Corruption:
Mweli rejected the notion that the DBE’s modernisation efforts were designed for corrupt purposes or to centralise control under a single entity. He pointed out that the tender includes provisions for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and smallholder farmers, aimed at fostering local economic development. The initiative is expected to create over 30,000 sustainable jobs and support thousands of small businesses, reflecting the government’s broader goal of reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living for the poor.
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