Court clears way for KZN school nutrition programme to continue

Education department confirmed Friday that nutrition programme matter struck off court roll, with applicants ordered to pay legal costs

March 29, 2026

Andiswa Mchunu 1 minute read

Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka. Photo: KZN DOE

THE KZN Department of Education (DoE) says it will continue rolling out its School Nutrition Programme without disruption after a court dismissed an urgent bid to halt its implementation.

The department confirmed on Friday that the matter was struck off the roll, with the applicants ordered to pay legal costs, as reported by The Witness.

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The application had sought to interdict the programme, raising concerns about procurement and implementation.

However, the ruling allows the department to proceed while addressing any outstanding administrative issues through due process.

Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka welcomed the decision, saying the priority remains ensuring no learner goes hungry.

While the matter has been struck off the roll, our priority remains unchanged.

“We will continue to strengthen implementation and address any challenges with urgency and transparency,” said Hlomuka.

The department moved to reassure schools, parents and learners that the programme remains fully operational across the province.

Thousands of pupils depend on the scheme for daily meals, which the department says are critical to supporting both learning and attendance.

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Officials said engagements with stakeholders, including service providers, are ongoing to ensure the system runs efficiently.

The department has also outlined steps to improve the programme, including tightening monitoring and oversight, speeding up procurement and payments, and strengthening accountability at all levels.

It added that ensuring service providers are paid on time is a key focus area.

The School Nutrition Programme is regarded as a cornerstone of support in many of the province’s poorest communities, where it often provides the only reliable meal of the day for learners.

The department reiterated its commitment to complying with procurement regulations as it continues to implement the programme.

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