10 December 2024

It has been months since the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) tender was halted by Minister Gwarube, with no resolution or clarity from the Department of Basic Education. This prolonged inaction is unacceptable, leaving South Africa’s children to suffer the consequences of government failure.

A Call for Accountability

The Honourable Minister’s lack of progress contradicts the government’s mandate to prioritise the welfare of its citizens. As the 2025 academic year approaches, the Department of Basic Education must take immediate steps to resolve the NSNP tender and ensure that no child goes hungry.

This delay raises serious concerns about potential political motives, with allegations that the Minister’s loyalty to her party, the Democratic Alliance, is overshadowing the urgent needs of the nation’s children. Minister Gwarube, your inaction is a betrayal of public trust and a dereliction of duty.

Reinstate the NSNP Tender

The solution is clear:

• Reinstate the NSNP tender through a centralised system, replicating the success of other national programmes.
• Prioritise the welfare of South Africa’s children over political bureaucracy and inefficiency.

The longer this programme remains unresolved, the more it signals a troubling willingness to let children starve. The NSNP is vital to the future of South Africa, ensuring that every child has the nourishment they need to learn and grow.

Demand for Urgent Action

We call on the Minister to act immediately:

• Resolve the NSNP tender before the start of the 2025 academic year.
• Commit to prioritising the needs of South Africa’s children above all else.

This is a pivotal moment for leadership. Letting bureaucratic delays or political considerations prevent action is not only negligent but also detrimental to the future of our nation.

Act now, Minister. South Africa’s children deserve better.

Press Release Submitted By

Organisation Name: Feed Our KidsContact Email: media@feedourkids.org.za

Total Words: 296

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Social Media Post

School Children Must Not Go Hungry in 2025!

Demanding urgent action to resolve the NSNP tender and prioritise our children’s needs.

#FeedOurKids #EducationForAll #NSNP #mypressportal #pressrelease #AfricaNewsroom #bizcommunity #publicrelations #africa #southernafrica #southafrica