The Equal Education Law Centre has praised Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube’s decision to halt a R10 billion tender to centralise the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP).

This initiative, which serves over nine million children annually, is crucial for ensuring that learners receive nutritious meals.

However, issues in KwaZulu-Natal, where a R2 billion contract failed to deliver food properly, highlight the risks of centralisation.

Equal Education has raised concern about the lack of public consultation and the potential impact on early childhood development centres.

They have urged the Department of Basic Education to pilot alternative models before committing to a national approach.