The programme was suspended when schools were abruptly closed in March as the country entered level 5 of the lockdown. 

The groups have in a statement said more than nine million children are reliant on the feeding scheme. They stated that the department needs to roll out the programme to all learners who were reliant on it before the national lockdown to reduce widespread hunger in the country. 

Whilst the department is yet to comment on the court action, OFM News earlier this week reported that the Free State Education MEC, Tate Makgoe, announced that the province had already started rolling out the programme to schools in the province.

During a media briefing on the reopening of schools at the Tsoseletso High School in Bloemfontein, Makgoe said the province is ready to roll out the programme as more and more learners will be returning to schools. He said extra safety precautions needed to be taken to ensure that hygienic standards are met. He also stated that hygiene standards for food preparation have been taken into account and he is certain that schools will follow all safety measures.

"We are ready and are working through the SGBs. Funds have been transferred to over 1 000 schools. Staff have been trained and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has been provided".

OFM News