Limpopo Education to provide meals amid looming court challenge

This comes amid a looming court case over the provision of meals to pupils during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Equal Education and the school governing bodies of two Limpopo schools are set to be in court on Thursday for an urgent application against the Department of Basic Education and provincial education departments to compel them to provide meals for pupils.

The provincial department in Limpopo says the provision of meals will start on 1 July for all pupils in grade R through to grade 12.

Limpopo MEC for Education Polly Boshielo says the department has already instructed service providers to deliver food to the various schools.

"Schools participating in the programme using the decentralised model have also been directed to procure for all their learners. Learners will only be served meals at schools.”

She says schools will need to follow the guidelines for the prevention of Covid-19 when preparing and serving of food.

"These require schools to adequately take into consideration aspects of social distancing, hand washing, sanitising all work surfaces, cooking food thoroughly and ensuring that learners do not share utensils, food or drinks.

"This is a matter which needs us to cooperate with parents, guardians and caregivers so that all learners are safe as and when they receive their meals.

“This is for the good and welfare of those learners who depend on this programme for a reliable meal. Let it serve its purpose as intended.”

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