By ‘Maleruo Leponesa
The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) in the Eastern Cape is facing an imminent crisis. So says Horatio Hendricks MPL, who is the the Democratic Alliance Shadow MEC for Education. Grocotts Mail interviewed Hendricks recently, seeking specific local data and insights regarding Makhanda schools.
Non-compliance in Makhanda: No formal identification yet
The looming threat of widespread kitchen closures due to non-compliance could put the daily meals of over 1.6 million learners at risk. Currently, however, no Makhanda schools have been formally identified as non-compliant with food and safety standards under the NSNP. Hendricks said a DA motion was asking for a full audit of the province so that all schools can be identified.
Food-borne illness outbreaks and preventive measures
Has a food-borne illness outbreak similar to the one at Gobizizwe Agricultural School been reported in Makhanda in recent years? If not, what preventive measures have kept local schools safe?
Hendricks said there were none that he is aware of.
He explained that contamination can be from poor infrastructure, no cold storage facilities, improper storage of dry ingredients, dodgy suppliers or poor handling of cooked food.
Audit and assessment plans
According to Hendricks, the Department of Education in the Eastern Cape is expected to present an audit plan to assess school kitchens in Makhanda within 30 days of the DA motion being adopted.
Directives to Makhanda schools
Since the motion has just been adopted, it is probably too soon to expect a directive to all schools.
Funding and distribution
Regarding the ring-fenced funding from the Education Infrastructure Grant (EIG), how will funds be distributed across the region to benefit Makhanda schools?
Hendricks said benefit would depend on how much funding can be ringfenced, and that the process of identifying schools will be closely monitored.
Safeguarding learners’ meals amid potential disruptions
If school kitchens are shut down for non-compliance, how will learners in Makhanda be safeguarded against potential disruptions to their daily meals?
Hendricks said the Department of Education should present responding affidavits by 3 September 2025, indicating what plans will be in place to prevent the stoppage of meal delivery.
Involvement of local stakeholders
Is there a plan in place to involve Makhanda-based stakeholders (such as NGOs or municipal authorities) to improve nutrition and food safety at schools?
Hendricks said this matter should be referred to Head of Department (HOD) Sharon Maasdorp for a response. “Unfortunately, my role is oversight and not governance,” he said.
Ensuring smaller towns are not overlooked
Given the severity of school nutrition across the province, how will the Department ensure that smaller towns like Makhanda are not overlooked during audits and upgrades?
“The Department has a full responsibility to all registered public schools under the School Nutrition Programme,” Hendricks said. “It cannot be selective when it comes to health and safety standards, especially food-borne illnesses. Proper oversight is needed to ensure that all schools meet compliance, and it’s exactly what I intend to do,” he said.
Community role
What role can the Makhanda community play in supporting the safe implementation of the NSNP locally, especially in terms of oversight or volunteer efforts?
“That role must be fulfilled by the School Governing Body, as elected representatives of the school community. Regular inspections on site, and report-back on findings, must be a natural occurrence in exercising their fiduciary duties.”
