24 July 2025 | 13:27 CAT
2-minute read

Image: ActionSA

KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers has responded to growing concerns over alleged irregularities and political interference in the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), which feeds over two million schoolchildren in the province daily.

Speaking on Radio Islam International, Rodgers confirmed his office has received evidence suggesting fraud in the tender process and committed to investigating the claims thoroughly.

“I have now received some evidence on alleged fraud in the whole process,” he stated. “We will now test the veracity of these allegations.”

The controversy centres on accusations from service providers that the NSNP tender process was rigged to benefit politically connected individuals.

However, the Provincial Treasury says it has yet to receive formal complaints—raising questions about whether whistleblowers feel safe enough to come forward.

Rodgers acknowledged these concerns and issued a public call for transparency.

“I encourage people—without the help of information, I don’t have my eyes and ears everywhere,” he said. “If you can come forward and you give me information, I assure you your protection.”

The NSNP, launched nationally in 1994 and expanded over time, plays a critical role in combating child hunger and improving educational outcomes. In KwaZulu-Natal, the programme has previously faced logistical challenges and delays. In 2023, a failed R2,1 billion contract with a single supplier, Pacina Retail, left thousands of learners without meals for days, prompting a political outcry and calls for decentralised procurement.

Rodgers, who was appointed as MEC in 2023, described how his office intends to strengthen oversight through two formal mechanisms. The first allows Treasury to halt and restart the bidding process if irregularities are confirmed. The second offers an appeals window for unsuccessful bidders, who can challenge outcomes through a Bid Appeal Tribunal.

He also pointed to the launch of a digital procurement system as a long-term solution.

“The process will then be done electronically,” he explained. “The entire process has a paper trail. So we know exactly who, what, when and how there was involvement.”

The e-procurement system is set to be rolled out fully across the Departments of Education, Health, Transport, and Social Development by the end of the year. Rodgers expressed optimism that digitisation will help eliminate opportunities for corruption and “turn the fiscus in the province into an ethical fiscus.”

As allegations swirl, Rodgers’ challenge is twofold: restoring public confidence in a programme that feeds vulnerable children and ensuring that whistleblowers are heard—and protected.

“If people want to steal money, let’s put them in jail and let’s stop the stealing,” he said.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.