School nutrition providers raise alarm over alleged tender bias in KwaZulu-Natal
The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) Service Providers Association has raised serious concern over what it describes as a “deliberate targeting and exclusion” of its Executive Committee members from contracts for the feeding scheme in KwaZulu-Natal.
According to the association’s spokesperson, Thabang Mncwabe, the association had received information from internal sources within the provincial Department of Education which suggested a coordinated effort to block certain service providers from securing contracts.
He said an internal departmental report, now in the association’s possession, allegedly reveals that instructions were given to ensure that its executive members are “by all means possible” prevented from being awarded contracts.
It is further alleged that a list of companies linked to the association’s leadership has been blacklisted, while a separate list of preferred bidders was reportedly leaked from the hotel venue where adjudication is said to be taking place in secret.
“These actions raise serious questions about the transparency and integrity of the entire process,” said Mncwabe.
The association warned that the exclusion of its members could violate procurement legislation and the principles of fair administrative justice.
“If confirmed, this would amount to a gross abuse of power aimed at silencing voices that have consistently fought for accountability, timely payments, food quality standards, and the empowerment of local service providers especially SMMEs, women, and youth,” Mncwabe said.
He added that the association is closely monitoring the situation and will consider legal action if its members continue to be unfairly excluded.
“We will not hesitate to take further action, including legal recourse, should the process prove to be manipulated or prejudiced against our members.”
Calling for urgent intervention, the Association urged the Department of Education to “do things correctly, just for once in their lifetime.”
It also called on the Public Protector, Auditor-General, and other oversight bodies to urgently investigate the allegations.
“A democratic state cannot tolerate a culture of selective exclusion, internal sabotage, and procurement driven by factionalism,” the Association said. “The learners of this province, many of whom depend on the NSNP for their only nutritious meal of the day, deserve no less.”
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi dismissed the allegations, stating: “The process is still under way and has not been finalised for anyone to cry foul.”