The Department of Basic Education (DBE), together with the Free State Department of Education, the Xhariep Education District and in partnership with Nestlé SA, commemorated National Nutrition Week at the Edenhoogte Primary School in Edenburg, Free State Province, on 16 October 2026.
National Nutrition Week (NNW) highlighted the importance of good nutrition in supporting learners’ physical development, concentration, alertness, and academic performance. It also reinforced the message that access to nutritious food is essential for building healthy communities and improved educational outcomes. Observed annually, NNW raises awareness about the importance of healthy eating and informed food choices. The campaign also coincided with the broader objectives of World Food Day, marked on 16 October, which draws attention to food security, access to nutritious meals and the need for sustainable food systems. The theme: “Creating a Healthy Food Environment for Better Nutrition,” emphasised the shared responsibility of schools, families, communities, and partners in making nutritious food more accessible.
A key focus of the campaign was the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), which plays an important role in supporting learners across the country. The programme provides meals to approximately 10 million learners in about 21,000 schools daily, helping to address hunger and improve learners’ readiness to engage in teaching and learning.
The activities encouraged learners and delegates to embrace physical activity as an important component of a healthy lifestyle. A practical highlight was the planting activity, during which participants engaged in recreational and sporting activities, including soccer, hula-hooping and skipping. These activities promoted teamwork, participation, and the value of combining nutritious eating with regular exercise. A tea and feeding session provided an opportunity for participants to refresh before the formal proceedings.
Representatives from education, health and supporting organisations delivered messages emphasising the importance of nutrition and the role of collaborative efforts in improving learner health. Partner participation, including that of the Nestlé for Healthier Kids Programme, further demonstrated the value of collaboration in promoting nutrition awareness and healthy lifestyles among children. “Through this Programme we have been able to reach thousands of learners across South Africa, and we could reach many more. Our kids today will be able to tell their parents what they are taught,” said Ms Lindiwe Masango, the Public Affairs Specialist for Nestlé SA.
Mr Cosmos Tladi, Dietitian from the District Department of Health, emphasised that there is a need to protect the NSNP by implementing and adhering to food safety measures such as when Food Handlers are handling and preparing food, after using a toilet without washing hands thoroughly with soap, to eliminate the cross-contamination of germs/bacteria, covering of hair, and ensuring that surfaces are clean. He further advised the schools to use the First in First Out (FIFO) method when issuing out food from the school storage. He also reminded the school that they need to work with communities to establish food gardens to promote food security.
The keynote address was delivered by the Deputy Director for the NSNP at the DBE, Mr Selby Mzimba, who highlighted the aspects of the food safety value chain around schools. Mr Mzimba said schools are encouraged to procure quality food and fresh fruits and vegetables according to their school specific menu from local retailers, shops and farmers: “We encourage schools to make healthy choices for leaners to access healthy food, and to check food labelling to ensure the food has not expired. Our nutrition programme reduces absentees in our schools as we want our children to stay in schools from Grade R until they pass their matric. We feed them to make sure that over time they will have a better education, grow into adulthood and become independent”.
The campaign also encouraged learners to apply the lessons beyond the school environment and share healthy practices with their families and communities. Selected learners from three neighbouring schools rendered key nutritional and health messages through poetry as the Department continues to advance learner health and well-being physical activity, food security, and education.