Gauteng school meal suppliers raise claims of corruption

SERVICE providers supplying meals to schools in Gauteng have raised serious allegations of corruption surrounding the province's school nutrition programme, warning that thousands of pupils could go hungry as payments to suppliers remain outstanding for months.

- THABO MAKWAKWA

GAUTENG school meal providers warn of hunger crisis amid payment delays. I File

Lisa Sukdev, spokesperson for affected service providers, revealed to IOL yesterday that there are many irregularities in the procurement and payment processes, accusing the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) of failing to adhere to transparent procedures.

"A few companies registered on CIPC were awarded bids, but in some cases, we couldn't find records of these companies on the CIPC database," explained Sukdev.

"One unsuccessful bidder was even compelled by a court order to provide documentation to the Department, but failed to do so. Despite this, the bid proceeded irregularly."

She further accused the Department of not providing crucial adjudication documentation.

"The evaluation committee failed to provide minutes or appointment letters, and Treasury regulations require these steps to be recorded and adhered to. Right now, the bidding process clearly violates procurement laws."