Motshekga: KZN feeding scheme debacle resolved

The interruption to the delivery of meals to thousands of schools across the province meant some pupils went without what is their only nutritious meal of the day.  

The collapse of the feeding scheme saw some schools cancel academic activities after the Easter break. 

The company contracted by the KZN Education Department to supply the school's feeding scheme, Pacina Retail, claims it has not received any payment for the R2.1 billion tender.

Motshekga briefed the media in La Mercy on Tuesday.

"We are aware fully aware that many of our learners the food from the NSP [scheme] is the only meal they might have in the day, that is why we became concerned with the disruptions to the feeding programme, whatever inconvenienced that was caused as a government we sincerely apologise."   

Motshekga says the issue has been resolved and pupils are now receiving their meals.

"We do believe that we are on a cause for a successful path for the next few weeks, months and indeed for the rest of the year. We are committed to ensuring that pupils continue to learn while enjoying their meals on time, daily as scheduled."

The minister said the department's legal team is looking into the contract with Pacina. 

"The first focus was to ensure that there is feeding, secondly to make sure that all other technical issues around the contract are dealt with by competent bodies, our lawyers, chief procurement officials and our accounting officers are at work."

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