Service providers for the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) have staged a sit-in protest at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education’s district offices in Pietermaritzburg, demanding immediate payment for services rendered since March.
The NSNP, which provides daily meals to over two million disadvantaged pupils across the province, faces severe disruptions as suppliers claim they can no longer afford to deliver food without payment. Many children rely on these meals as their only source of daily nutrition.
“Learners Are Going Hungry”
Thabang Mncwabe, a representative of the NSNP service providers, accused the department of failing to fulfill payment promises, leaving suppliers financially crippled.
“They have bamboozled us, tricked us into believing we would be paid. We have been servicing our contracts, ensuring no learner goes unfed, but now we are in ICU—financially,” Thabang said.
He emphasized that the crisis is dire, with children—including those from child-headed households and on medication—going without food.
Department Claims Payments Were Made
The Department of Education reportedly issued an internal memo stating that 70% of suppliers were paid last Friday, but protesters dismissed this as an unofficial “leak” meant to downplay the crisis.
“There has been no official communication from the department. This is just spin,” Thabang asserted.
A Recurring Crisis
This is not the first time the NSNP has faced disruptions. Last year, a similar crisis arose when a single contracted supplier failed to meet demand, forcing the department to revert to multiple providers.
Demands for Immediate Action
Protesters are calling for:
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Immediate payment via electronic funds transfer (EFT) to allow suppliers to restock.
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Government intervention to prevent future payment delays.
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Clear communication from the department and Premier’s office, which has remained silent despite written appeals.
As the sit-in continues, concerns grow over whether schools will receive meals this week. The provincial government has yet to issue an official response.
