Treasury's decision holds dire consequences for school feeding schemes

Some 64 000 learners in Gauteng alone who are dependent on school feeding schemes will suffer the consequences of a decision by the National Treasury not to provide money for these schemes at so-called quintile 4-5 schools.

From this month these schools - schools where additional school fees are charged - will not receive any contribution towards feeding schemes from the education department. Schools that wish to continue to provide a daily meal to disadvantaged learners will have to pay for it out of their own pocket.

"The Treasury has determined that allowances for feeding schemes will only be paid to quintile 1-3 schools," says Mrs Melanie Buys, Gauteng provincial manager of the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS).

"From our own environmental analysis it appears that half of FEDSAS' some 1800 member schools run feeding schemes, but that 85% of these schools already pay for it themselves. An average of 77 learners per school are assisted," says Mr Paul Colditz, CEO of FEDSAS. He says schools that will be hit hardest are those who provide the most exemption from school fees. "These school will not have the money to continue with the feeding scheme should the provincial department, as determined by the Treasury, cease to pay the allowance."

FEDSAS is urging the Treasury to reconsider this decision.

 "People should not make the mistake of thinking that there are not hungry children in quintile 4-5 schools. There are talk of providing learners with tablet computers yet some of these learners are unable to concentrate in class due to hunger," says Colditz.

FEDSAS is also requesting communities to assist schools and to become involved in the needs of children in schools.

(FEDSAS is a voluntary association of school governing bodies of public schools and supports quality education in these schools. Nearly 1750 public schools are already members of FEDSAS).

Statement issued by Mr Paul Colditz, CEO: FEDSAS, Mrs Melanie Buys. Gauteng provincial manager: FEDSAS, October 3 2014

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