Impending budget cuts to basic education put the school nutrition programme in the back burner

The Weekend View

The furore that has erupted over the impending budget cuts to basic education has uncovered how this will disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing inequalities and undermining South Africa's Constitutional guarantee of the right to basic education. The major concerns highlighted so far include critical issues such as teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate scholar transport and infrastructure. Little has been said about how the move will negatively affect the school nutrition programme. The Healthy Living Alliance - HEALA - is concerned for the programme, which provides 9 million school-going children with meals in poorer primary and secondary schools. The Alliance is now convening a conference to come up with solutions on how to strengthen and expand the school nutrition programme and ensure food justice for all children. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to HEALA head of communications, Zukiswa Zimela