Alleged Corruption by Gauteng School Meal Suppliers Puts Students at Risk of Hunger
Allegations of corruption concerning the school nutrition programme in Gauteng have emerged, raising concerns about students’ access to meals. Service providers have claimed that unpaid invoices are jeopardizing the well-being of many pupils.
Corruption Allegations Surrounding Gauteng School Meal Suppliers
Lisa Sukdev, a spokesperson for the affected service providers, reported irregularities in the procurement and payment systems. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is accused of failing to follow transparent procedures, leading to significant delays in payments.
Procurement Irregularities and Lack of Transparency
- Some awarded companies lack records on the CIPC database.
- Court-ordered documentation has not been provided by unsuccessful bidders.
- Missing adjudication documentation raises questions about compliance.
Sukdev highlighted that compliance-based bids necessitate meeting strict criteria, such as having adequate stock and trained personnel. Yet, these standards are seemingly overlooked.
Payment Delays Impacting Service Providers
A notable case involved a supplier whose payment was delayed from October until May, emphasizing the dire situation. Many providers are forced to finance their operations through loans, leading to potential shortages in meal supply.
The situation worsens as contracts are reportedly being reassigned to new entities without transparency. This practice often favors individuals already known to the department, sidelining established suppliers.
Size Discrepancies in Meal Allocation
Concerns also arise regarding the allocation sizes of meals. Some suppliers cater to 20,000 learners each month, while others serve between 80,000 and 100,000. However, there are no clear criteria or public communication about these allocations.
Department’s Response to Allegations
Steve Mabona, the GDE spokesperson, addressed these issues, indicating that the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) continues uninterrupted for learners in no-fee schools. However, he acknowledged that the Gauteng extension of NSNP, covering historically fee-paying schools, is under strain due to socio-economic changes.
The rising number of vulnerable learners needing subsidized meals has created funding challenges. Mabona emphasized that payment delays stem from a combination of growing demand and budget cuts.
Efforts to Resolve Issues
The GDE is actively working on resolving the payment issues and engaging with affected suppliers. They are also reviewing the school quintile system to better align funding with current learner needs.
Mabona assured that the department is committed to clearing outstanding payments and supporting service providers in their critical roles.
