By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 March 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said his government has allocated over R690 million to the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) in the next financial year. Mokgosi will assist to feed more than 750 000 learners in 1300 schools across the province.

He further said the monthly stipend that they pay to food handlers will be increased to R2190. Mokgosi added that North West is the first province to introduce breakfast in 300 schools across the province to cushion learners in impoverished communities against high poverty levels in their communities through the NSNP.

“We can report to the people of the North West that breakfast will now be rolled out to cover all secondary schools, while the number of primary schools benefiting from this initiative will be increased from 272 to 350.

“This means that the government will serve two meals per day in these schools. This includes Bonwakgogo Primary School in Chaneng in Rustenburg, Gaetsho Secondary School in Boikhutso, Ditsobotla, Saruchera Primary School in Huhudi and Mmokeng Secondary

School in Kanana, Orkney,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) said NSNP is the government programme that provides one nutritious meal to all learners in poorer primary and secondary schools. The department said its objective is to provide nutritious meals to learners so as to improve their ability to learn. The DBE said according to its 2013/14 annual report, the programme has reached more than 9 million learners in quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools.

“The programme also teaches learners and parents how to lead a healthy lifestyle, and promotes development of school vegetable gardens.”

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