Rights Commission Probes Denial of School Meals

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is investigating reports that undocumented pupils were denied access to the school feeding scheme at several Mpumalanga schools, particularly in areas bordering Mozambique and Eswatini.

Eric Mokonyama, the provincial manager for the SAHRC, expressed concern over the situation, stating, “Refusing undocumented pupils school nutrition grants unjustifiably violates their constitutional rights.” He pointed out the inconsistency in allowing undocumented children into the education system while withholding essential resources like school meals. Mokonyama confirmed that the SAHRC would conduct a site visit to one of the affected schools in Nkomazi to verify the allegations and take action with the provincial Department of Education.

The issue gained national attention last week when a representative from the school governing body of Bukhosibetfu Primary School in Driekopies, Nkomazi, informed Parliament’s portfolio committee on education that 443 undocumented pupils were excluded from the school feeding scheme. Additional reports surfaced from Imizamoyethu Primary School in Piet Retief, where 55 undocumented pupils allegedly faced similar restrictions, lacking both food support and learning materials.

However, Mpumalanga Department of Education spokesperson Jasper Zwane refuted these claims. “Access to basic education cannot be denied to undocumented pupils in public schools,” Zwane stated, adding that these students are expected to receive the same teaching and support services as their documented peers.

The SAHRC’s investigation aims to resolve whether these incidents reflect a broader policy issue or are isolated occurrences.