Overview
- The provincially funded extension of the National School Nutrition Programme for quintile 4 and 5 schools has seen rapid growth in demand, driving delays in payments to some service providers.
- The Gauteng Department of Education says it has engaged affected providers and is committed to settling all outstanding invoices under the extended programme.
- The national NSNP for quintile 1–3 schools remains operational without interruption, with funding provided through a national grant.
- Government authorities are reviewing the school quintile system to better align funding with current socio-economic conditions.
- The department is intensifying action against illegal schools, reporting roughly 1,200 learners moved to registered institutions over five years and several cases against non-compliant operators now before the courts.