| 1. |
The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) has been introduced to ensure that learners are fed in order for them to learn. Our research tells us that there is a relationship between nutrition and cognition. Therefore, if we want to improve our results we have to ensure that all learners are fed. This is a joint responsibility of all stakeholders at the site of learning. |
| 2. |
The NSNP is funded by a conditional grant received from the Department of Basic Education (DBE). This grant framework is spelt out in the Division of Revenue Act (DoRA), published in Government Gazette No. 38458 of 13 February 2015. |
| 3. |
This minute serves to inform all stakeholders (district directors, circuit team managers, members of governing bodies, principals, school co-ordinators and volunteer food handlers) about the importance, effective management and administration of the NSNP with limited resources. |
| 4. |
The NSNP can improve learner performance in the early years of schooling. The following aspects are critical for programme effectiveness: |
| 4.1 |
Effective operational procedures to ensure the timely delivery of food (Circular 0015/2014). |
| 4.2 |
Educators supervise the serving of nutritious meals every school day and gardeners assist in growing school vegetable gardens that enhance the meals provided to the beneficiaries. |
| 4.3 |
Submission of required documents to district offices on time, as per financial management requirements as stipulated in the DoRA. All conditions associated with budgeting and the financial management by a public entity are defined in the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), 1999 (Act 1 of 1999). |
| 4.4 |
Compliance in terms of programme implementation as planned. |
| 4.5 |
Constant monitoring of stock to avoid food wastage, as this will defeat the purpose of poverty alleviation. |
| 4.6 |
Ensure that food is stored in adequate storage areas to avoid food contamination and food poisoning. |
| 4.7 |
Schools must ensure that service providers are monitored with regard to quality. |
| 4.8 |
Disposal of expired food can only be done by the service provider contracted to the Western Cape Education Department. (Removal of NSNP food items from a public school should be done by the contracted service provider. Service providers should have clear identification or work under the supervision of the district co-ordinator. The necessary documents should be completed and forwarded to Head Office.) |
| 4.9 |
The NSNP is audited for all its operations both by internal and external auditors. All documents (especially Proof of Delivery Notes [PODs] and payment of the Volunteer Food Handlers) should be filed in the NSNP file. |
| 5. |
NSNP school management and the NSNP district co-ordinator should take all precautionary measures to ensure that SAFETY and HYGIENE (e.g. the training of newly employed volunteers on the use of gas) is prioritised at all times. |
| 6. |
The principal, as the Accounting Officer, is responsible for the overall management of the programme at the school (Circular 0015/2014, point 2.3). |
SIGNED: J H LYNERS
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: INSTITUTION DEVELOPMENT & CO-ORDINATION
DATE: 2015:09:11
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