• Move follows prolonged delays by DoE
• Corruption allegations must be independently investigated
• Vulnerable learners cannot remain caught up in this battle
The Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has formally referred the province’s National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) tender process to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) (view here), requesting an independent investigation into the procurement process and prolonged disputes surrounding it.
The decision follows months of delays before the Provincial Treasury Bid Appeals Tribunal by the Provincial Department of Education (DoE) and ongoing allegations of irregularities raised by affected bidders. While the department is wasting time and money, more concerning is the delay in answers regarding corruption.
The dispute itself stretches back to 2025, when unsuccessful bidders lodged appeals following the award process. In June, the DA publicly raised concern after the tribunal process was again postponed and committed to pursuing greater transparency around the tender.
The DoE has maintained that the procurement process complied with applicable Supply-Chain Management (SCM) requirements. However, after the DA revealed that certain tenders were awarded to individuals politically connected to the ANC and senior DoE officials, the process was tainted. The department previously confirmed that approximately 20 000 bids were evaluated for 1 756 NSNP clusters across KZN.
Given the scale of the tender, the public money involved and the importance of the programme, the DA believes that the outstanding allegations and concerns warrant independent scrutiny.
This referral is not a finding of wrongdoing. It is a request for the relevant investigative authority to establish the facts and determine whether any irregularity, maladministration, improper conduct or financial loss occurred.
The NSNP provides daily nutritional support to millions of vulnerable KZN learners. Its administration must be beyond reproach. Learners cannot remain caught in the middle of prolonged procurement battles.
The DA will submit the relevant documentation and request that the SIU assess whether grounds exist for a formal investigation. As a responsible partner within KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) we will continue to push for answers.