During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, Member of Parliament (MP), Ms Phiwaba Madokwe had a series of questions for Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga.
The query in question was in relation to the ongoing shortage of stationery and groceries in several schools across the Eastern Cape province.
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In posing her question to the Basic Education Minister, Madokwe stated the following:
“Whether, with regard to the fact that a number of schools in the Eastern Cape are yet to receive their stationery and groceries for the feeding programme, while scholar transportation is discontinued in some areas, an investigation has been conducted into the total number of schools that are affected; if not, why not; if so, (a) what interventions were put in place and (b) who has been held accountable?”
In response, Minister Angie Motshekga told the minister that the National Education Department paid out the money for the School Nutrition Programme (NSNP).
She added that the delay may be due to the type of funding allocation model that the Eastern Provincial Education Department employs.
“Funds for the school meals were disbursed to all schools participating in the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) by the second week of the school term.” Motshekga said
“The Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDOE) implements the decentralised model where funds are transferred to the schools in 4 tranches, and the schools procure the food required for preparing meals for the learners. 54 district based officials monitor approximately 350 schools per week to ensure that nutritious meals are provided every day on time.” She added.
