Service providers responsible for delivering meals to schools in Gauteng have accused the provincial government of corruption and mismanagement within the school nutrition programme. They warn that ongoing payment delays could leave thousands of pupils without food.
Representatives of the affected suppliers said the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) had failed to ensure transparency in its procurement and payment processes. They claim that several irregularities have emerged, including tenders being awarded to companies that do not appear on the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) database. In one case, a bidder that failed to provide court-ordered documentation allegedly continued to benefit from an irregularly approved contract.
The service providers allege that the Department did not share essential adjudication records such as minutes of evaluation meetings or appointment letters, which are required by Treasury regulations. They argue that the bidding process violates procurement laws and that compliance standards meant to ensure fairness and efficiency are being ignored.
Suppliers involved in the programme are required to meet strict conditions, including adequate storage facilities, stock availability and skilled staff. However, several providers say these standards are being overlooked, with contracts going to preferred bidders instead.
The suppliers also report that payments have been delayed for months, forcing many to take out loans to continue feeding pupils. Some businesses have waited since October last year to be paid, placing them under severe financial strain. The rising cost of maintaining food supply operations, coupled with inconsistent payments, has left many unable to sustain their services.
Concerns have also been raised about how meal allocations are distributed. Some suppliers serve about 20 000 pupils a month, while others feed as many as 100 000, yet no explanation has been given for the large differences in allocation. The suppliers believe that contracts are being reassigned without transparency and that well-connected individuals are being favoured, pushing existing providers out of business.
The Gauteng Department of Education acknowledged that payment delays had occurred but denied that the overall programme was in crisis. Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said the National School Nutrition Programme, which supports learners in the poorest schools, remains unaffected. He explained that the province’s expanded nutrition initiative, which covers learners from schools that were previously fee-paying, has come under financial strain due to changing economic conditions.
The Department attributed the delays to a growing number of learners in need of meal support and to budget reductions at the provincial level. Mabona said officials were working to resolve the backlog and were in contact with affected suppliers.
He added that the provincial government was reviewing the current school quintile system to better reflect the country’s economic realities and to ensure that funding is allocated more fairly. The Department, he said, remains committed to settling outstanding payments and supporting service providers so that pupils continue to receive daily meals.
