espite past criticism that its primary school feeding schemes were not reaching remote areas of the Eastern Cape, Bisho says that it is satisfied that the programme is back on track.
And, adds the provincial government, bread suppliers are soon to receive outstanding payments. Many bakeries have been facing a cash crisis because the provincial health department, which has been responsible for the school nutrition programme, had failed to pay the non-governmental organisations administering the schemes.
As from April 1, however, the feeding schemes will be taken over by education departments in every province, a decision made at national level.
Meanwhile, Eastern Cape health spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo says tenders have been put out for more suppliers to aid the 102 currently servicing the 4 000 schools.
Nutritional cold drinks are being provided in all areas. In the eastern half of the Eastern Cape, which includes the former Transkei, learners are being fed bread with butter and jam, while in the western half, from Port Elizabeth to the Garden Route, learners are given fortified biscuits.
Integrated Nutrition Programme deputy director Nomawonta Kama says schools that are almost inaccessible and distant from the nearest bakery are supplied with biscuits because of their longer shelf-life. Deliveries to these schools are undertaken every two weeks.
The feeding programme has over the years been disrupted by Bisho’s failure to pay suppliers timeously.
The programme collapsed in May 2002, and soon afterwards, teachers warned that hunger was having a bad impact on learners’ performances. In some instances, poorer learners without food were fighting with those who brought lunches to school.
Problems were also exacerbated by the government’s alleged failure to monitor funds or to prosecute those who have misused such funds.
The crisis was averted when Eastern Cape Premier Makhenkesi Stofile intervened and R20-million was made available to resuscitate the programme.
Now Kupelo has assured all that the smooth running of the feeding scheme is being closely monitored by the district education offices as well as government officials.