Fruit in a lunchbox The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) Service Providers Association in KZN have appealed to the national Basic Education Minister for assistance as they say service providers are still waiting to be paid. File Picture: Leon Lestrade Independent Newspapers
Durban: The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) Service Providers Association says members have still not been paid despite an assurance from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education that payments would reflect on Tuesday.
The association said according to their members no payments were reflecting in their accounts.
The KZN Department of Education had said on Monday that funds were processed on January 24 and would reflect by Tuesday, January 28.
Thabang Mncwabe, communications and stakeholders Specialist for the association, described the situation as unacceptable.
“This blatant disregard for truth and transparency not only erodes trust but also highlights the Department's continued failure to prioritise the NSNP, the small business sector and, most importantly, the learners who depend on this programme for their daily nutrition,” he said.
He said service providers have been left financially constrained, unable to purchase and deliver food to schools, jeopardising the welfare of learners across the province.
Mncwabe said: “This is not just about bureaucracy; it is about ensuring that no child is left to learn on an empty stomach.”
The association has now made an appeal to the national Minister of Basic Education to demand immediate payment, a comprehensive review of the programme, and the formation of a stakeholder forum to prevent future crises.
The Association stressed that the payment delays further validate its long standing concerns about the Department’s inefficiencies and lack of accountability.
He said despite repeated calls for engagement and systemic improvements, the Department has ignored these efforts, creating a challenging environment for service providers.
In the KZN Education Department’s earlier statement, issued by MEC Sipho Hlomuka, it expressed regret over the delays, citing the need for due diligence and compliance with financial regulations.