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Members of political parties in the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature have debated the Budget Vote of the Office of the Premier as presented by Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube today.

Dube-Ncube presented the R872, 057 million budget amid criticisms leveled by political parties and members of the public about the handling of the National School Nutrition Programme by the provincial Department of Education. 

“With the allocated budget, we are confident that the Office of the Premier will ensure the co-ordination of the implementation of the Poverty Eradication Programmes across all government departments,” ANC Member of Parliament Mpume Zulu said.

He reminded legislatures that Covid-19 and devastating floods which ravaged different parts of the province had created more poverty, with children being the most affected. 

“The allocation of R218, 859 million is a demonstration of Premier’s commitment to speed up the interventions,” he said. 

Turning his focus to the National School Nutrition Programme, Zulu said the ANC welcomed the fact that the Premier was actively involved in the implementation of the Food and Nutrition Security Plan. According to Zulu, this plan is co-ordinated through OTP as it was articulated by the Premier in the Policy Statement.  

“The ANC government remains committed to ensure that this programme is sustained for the benefit of learners across all corners of the province.  Equally, we note the ongoing support provided by Provincial Treasury as directed by both the Premier and MEC Peggy Nkonyeni,” Zulu revealed.

He concluded by assuring learners, COSAS, educators, organized labour, school governing bodies and stakeholders in the education sector that the School Nutrition Programme was receiving the urgent attention of the deployees of the ANC in the Executive Council. 

“We are confident of a long lasting solution. We affirm our commitment as members of this house to continue to play an oversight role over the executive.”

Issued by KZN MPL Mpume Zulu