Food shortage hits North East schools

NED council chairperson, Florah Mpetsane revealed the crisis at the ongoing ordinary full council session on Monday.

“There is a shortage of food in all our primary schools because for a long time there has been insufficient milk, beans and beef,” said Mpetsane. “Pupils are being fed white samp without beans. However, efforts are being made by the Department of Food Relief Services to address this issue.” Later, the NED District Commissioner, Rapetse Mathumo told Mmegi that the problem stemmed from the issues they had with the suppliers who were awarded tenders for the various food items. He said some of the companies that were awarded tenders had queries concerning their tenders and ended up pulling out, causing shortages in the process. “For two years the schools have faced a shortage of milk and beans as well as an on and off shortage of beef,” he said.