Dispute over school feeding scheme payments
Outstanding payments go as far back as October last year.
THE South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) has lashed out at the KZN Department of Education for its failure to pay its service providers who are supplying the National School Nutrition Programme in Zululand schools.
SANCO spokesperson Dumisani Mthalane said they were disturbed by the news that most suppliers had not been paid by the department, some outstanding payments dating as far back as October last year.
‘Many of these suppliers had a bleak Christmas and some are in danger of losing their property as they have families to support and bills to pay,’ said Mthalane.
Mthalane’s concerns were shared by the head of the Mhlana Traditional Authority, iNkosi Mbusowabathethwa Mthethwa.
iNkosi Mthethwa told the Zululand Observer that it was painful to see school children from poor families suffering as a result of a dispute between the department and its service providers.
‘We don’t know whether suppliers have been paid or not, but we are happy that unlike last year, the National School Nutrition Programme is being rolled out and many schools are benefiting from the programme,’ he said.
When approached for comment, Principal of Ngwelezane-based Phesheya Primary School, Sithembiso Nzuza, said the school feeding scheme has not experienced any hiccups.
‘We heard of a payment dispute between suppliers and the department in October last year, but we were never affected,’ he said.
Meanwhile, KZN MEC for Education, Peggy Nkonyeni, said she was aware of the payment dispute.
‘We wish to plead with those suppliers who have the financial muscle to continue rendering their services, but those who can’t afford to continue, we will understand. But one thing is for sure, they will all be paid in April,’ Nkonyeni said.
