By Johannah Malogadihlare
The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape has called on Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to table a Budget that will allocate the province its fair share to support feeding schemes.
The Western Cape education department said on Wednesday that 1055 schools in the province participated in the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP).
“A nourished learner is a focused learner, and the WCED understands this well. Over the past five years, the department has invested R1.79 billion in school feeding programmes, with R415.6 million allocated in the most recent financial year alone,” said Leon Van Wyk, DA education spokesperson in the province.
The nutrition programmes were supported by 13 organisations that provided breakfast and trained learners to cultivate school food gardens.
About 537,181 learners benefited from the programme, receiving daily meals to ensure they have the energy to learn and succeed.
According to the party, the department played a critical role in managing the programme, ensuring oversight, financial investment and effective implementation.
“Education is not just about classrooms and textbooks; it is about creating an environment where children can thrive. That means ensuring learners arrive at school safe, nourished, and ready to learn,” Van Wyk said.
He also said the department has progressively increased its budget for school transport over the past five years to ensure safe and reliable travel for learners.
A total of 68,633 learners benefitted from the R515.5 million that the department allocated to school transport.
Van Wyk said 500 schools utilised the programme, with the Cape Winelands District supporting the highest number of beneficiaries of 22,557 learners.
INSIDE EDUCATION
