The DBE, through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) Best Schools and Districts Awards, has been celebrating excellence, innovation and dedication within districts and schools in the successful implementation of the school feeding programme since 2010. On 8 May 2026, Basic Education Deputy Minister, Dr Reginah Mhaule, together with the MEC for Education in the Northern Cape, Mr Abraham Vosloo, officiated over the 2025/26 instalment of the awards held at Laerskool Seodin in Kuruman, Northern Cape.

The NSNP Awards provide a platform to not only showcase best practice in school feeding, but to also celebrate the commitment and hard work of key contributors, including School Management Teams, Educators, Food Handlers and School Governing Bodies, for their daily efforts and dedication to the programme’s success. After a rigorous nomination, judging and verification process that took place in 2025, the Namakwa Education District (Northern Cape) took the trophy for the Best District category, with Van Zylsrus Intermediate School (Northern Cape) winners for the Best Farm School category, and Isaac Mhlambi Primary School (Free State) receiving the honours as the overall winner for the Best School category.

So, what does it take for a school or district to be crowned the best? According to Ms Neo Sediti, Director for NSNP at the DBE, adherence to NSNP implementation standards and general guidelines is the major criterion, but commitment to excellence in creating nutritious and appealing meals, innovation in programme implementation, and promotion of nutrition education in school communities also contribute greatly to the selection of the finalists.

In her keynote address, Deputy Minister Mhaule thanked all the finalists from the various provinces, saying: “These awards are a small but meaningful way to honour your dedication and highlight the extraordinary work that happens at the ground level to make the NSNP a success. It is your commitment that inspires others and helps to create a ripple effect of positive change in our communities.”

Despite budget constraints in the basic education sector, the Northern Cape government has ensured that the NSNP is not affected, with 85% of schools in the province benefiting from the programme. “In the province, we have expanded access to the programme to quite a number of Quintile 4 and 5 schools, positively impacting an additional 100,000 learners and 300 Food Handlers, which is indicative of a government responsive to its people’s needs. We are one of those provinces that augment to the equitable share of the grant we receive for NSNP, and this shows how the provincial government is committed to this feeding scheme,” indicated MEC Vosloo.

“In many parts of the Northern Cape, where distances are long and resources are often stretched, the NSNP is not just a support programme, it is a lifeline. It ensures that learners are nourished, focused and ready to learn. This is especially important in rural and remote communities, where schools often serve as centres of care and support. As a department, we remain committed to strengthening the NSNP, ensuring that meals are nutritious, delivered consistently, and managed effectively. But we also call upon communities, parents, and stakeholders to support and protect this programme, because it is an investment in our children’s future,” added the Deputy Minister.

Taking cognisance of the recent floods in the Kuruman region, Dr Mhaule acknowledged the loss of lives and livelihoods that have affected the schooling community. “We gather at a time of deep sorrow and reflection following the devastating flood disaster that has affected many of our communities. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and school communities who have lost loved ones. During this difficult period, we stand in solidarity with all those affected and reaffirm our commitment to supporting the recovery and wellbeing of our learners, educators, and communities”.