The NSNP is a crucial programme that seeks to mitigate the effects of poverty while contributing to the constitutional rights to sufficient food and a basic education of learners in need. It does so by providing nutritious meals to qualifying learners. The NSNP has been shown to improve access to education as well as learning.

On 19 May 2020, the Department of Basic Education informed the Commission that when schools reopened, the NSNP would recommence for all grades, and not only for qualifying learners in grades 7 and 12. The Minister of Basic Education subsequently retracted this undertaking during a press briefing on 1 June 2020. The Commission accordingly remains concerned that the rights to sufficient food and basic education of learners in need of food continue to be threatened. At the same time, the Commission commends the Western Cape government for extending its school feeding programme to all grades.

The Commission takes note of legal proceedings instituted by Equal Education and others in this regard, and looks forward to the swift resolution of the matter and the vindication of the rights of poor learners.

Ends –

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission

Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.