Delays in nutrition programme, learners go hungry
The DA's Dr Imran Keeka said this situation is not only shocking and disgraceful, but it also smacks of incompetence.
Since schools re-opened this term, learners in the Ugu district have not had any meals because the National School Nutrition Programme suppliers have not been able to deliver food.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education appointed one main contractor to supply food, this contractor then appointed sub-contractors to deliver to schools.
According to one sub-contractor who did not want to be named, he does not know the identity of the main contractor.
“We were briefed that we will no longer be dealing with the department ourselves but a certain contractor. That was not an issue because we thought they had everything figured out and ready.”
He said they were expecting to collect the food the day before schools opened, so they could deliver the next morning.
“The food is insufficient, some items are not there and the gas was not supplied. We can’t even buy items with our own money because we won’t be able to claim it back.”
Some of the suppliers complained about the dirty and disgusting state of the truck that delivered the food.
“The truck should have at least been washed and cleaned, I mean they are delivering food for humans.”
They said they don’t know if the food they received on Tuesday this week will be sufficient for the week, and they don’t know if they will be able to deliver to schools next week.
Speaking on behalf of the suppliers, Bheki Melani, said they spent days going to different supermarkets because they were told that is where they should collect the food.
“When we went to these supermarkets, they had no idea what we were talking about. Eventually through word of mouth, we found out that a truck will be delivering to Ugu Sports and Leisure.”
Melani said they usually received an SMS where they should go, but this time there was no communication.
KZN premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said on Tuesday this week, that she received a report from the MEC of education, Mbali Frazer, and she assured her that they are working on fixing the problem.
“While we apologise, we want to say that many schools did have food left over from last term and were asked to use these items.”
Dube-Ncube said she did request a full report on the situation.
According to the premier, Ugu is the only district that has not received food but other districts are operational, even though contractors from the district say otherwise.
Dr Imran Keeka of the DA said this situation is not only shocking and disgraceful, but it also smacks of incompetence.
“We now have a situation where learners have empty stomachs thanks to government officials.”
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