Delays in Payment Threaten KZN School Nutrition Programme, Department Seeks Solutions.

By: Nompendulo Ngubane

The KZN Education Department says the reasons for the delays in paying service providers for the school nutrition programme vary.

The department’s comment comes amid growing fears of a total collapse of the school nutrition programme in the province due to the non-payment of service providers.

The National School Nutrition Programme Service Providers Association in KZN has raised concerns, stating that only about 40% of their members have been paid.

The province’s spokesperson, Muzi Mahlambi, says disputes over invoices from school principals in some schools have led to certain service providers not being paid.

Mahlambi further stated that, being aware of these problems, they are now seeking new ways to address them.