The DBE and the Gauteng North Education District of the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) marked the 25th anniversary of the World School Milk Day (WSMD) on 25 to 26 September 2025 in Ekangala, Tshwane. Each year, schools around the globe celebrate this international campaign which was declared by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 2000.
As build-up to the 2025 WSMD, the DBE and the GDE National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), together with partners including Consumer Education Project Milk South Africa, Danone SA, the National Osteoporosis Foundation hosted a line-up of activities in three roadshows held at Sihluziwe, Sikhulisile and Sivuseni Primary Schools in Bronkhorstspruit, Ekangala, in Gauteng on 25 September 2025.
The roadshows were aimed at educating learners, teachers and the community about the health benefits of dairy, particularly milk, in growing bodies. The Nutrition Academy rendered entertaining lessons about the benefits of dairy to learners through play and drama and comedy. The main event took place at Mandlomsobo Primary School on 26 September, under the theme “Strong Bones, Strong Moves: Milk Matters for Sport and Growing Bodies!”
The WSMD is a global campaign to raise awareness about the importance of healthy eating and living. The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) is mandated to educate schools and communities about the value of dairy in children’s diet. It is celebrated annually, to reinforce the health benefits of milk as a necessary dietary requirement that provides calcium to boost bone density, support muscle recovery, improve physical performance and provide lifelong health to children and people of all ages. Learners were served oats and milk before being led on a kilometre-long walk around the school, followed by aerobics, hop-scotch and various mind-challenging board games to promote their fitness, boost energy and maintain general health.
In his keynote address, Chief Director for Care and Support, Mr Muzi Ndlovu, highlighted that “milk and sour milk are part of our school nutrition menu in the NSNP. These are some of the foods provided once a week to learners and serve as a safety net as it gives access to healthy meals. A daily meal is more than just a plate of food; it is a lifeline for many children”. At the end of the fun filled two-day programme, every learner received a health food package with mostly milk products to take home.