Durban: Service providers for KwaZulu-Natal’s National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) are raising alarm again over delayed payments. They have also alleged mismanagement by the provincial Department of Education.
In a letter addressed to KZN Premier Thami Ntuli, the NSNP Service Providers Association detailed how non-payment has left many suppliers in financial distress, despite directives issued in Circular No. 83 of 2024.
Chairperson Lindani Matiwane warned that these delays in payment threatens the sustainability of the programme, which provides meals to thousands of schoolchildren.
“This failure to adhere to payment timelines has created a dire financial crisis for our members, threatening not only their livelihoods but also the sustainability of this critical programme,” Matiwane wrote.
The letter also alleges that the department has violated Section 83 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) by diverting NSNP funds to unrelated department activities. It calls for an investigation into the alleged mismanagement and immediate processing of outstanding payments.
Matiwane stressed that further delays would disrupt meal deliveries and deprive learners of their constitutional rights in the new school year. “If this issue is not resolved promptly, it may lead to interruptions in the delivery of meals,” he added.
The crisis comes months after service providers staged a strike earlier this year, refusing to deliver food to schools due to similar payment delays. During the strike, about 60% of schools were at risk of losing their meal supplies, leaving thousands of learners vulnerable. At the time, suppliers highlighted that their businesses were unable to function without receiving payments from the department.
The Department of Education has acknowledged that the issue has been raised. Education department spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said that the matter is being addressed.
“We are aware of the letter, and the matter is being attended to,” Mahlambi said.
The NSNP Service Providers Association urged the government to process payments immediately, investigate the alleged misuse of funds, and establish a task team to monitor compliance and address systemic inefficiencies.
“This programme is a lifeline for countless learners across the province,” Matiwane emphasised.
“We trust in the leadership of the provincial government to resolve this crisis and ensure the programme’s sustainability.”
When approached for comment, the premier’s office said it would follow up on the matter.