As October month draws to a close, the DBE’s National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), in partnership with Nestlé South Africa and the Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces, reflects on the successful commemoration of National Nutrition Week (NNW). NNW is observed annually from 9 to 15 October, focusing on creating awareness about healthy eating habits and addressing the pressing national issue of malnutrition. The first celebration took place at the Sibonelo Primary School in Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga on 15 October 2025, whilst the final leg of the campaign took place at Langutelani Primary School in the Ka-Ndengeza Mavhuza Village, Giyani, in the Limpopo Province on 23 October 2025.
This year’s theme: “Food for Health, Health for All,” highlighted the importance of nutritious food in building a healthier community to support growth and development; help children grow taller stronger and smarter; provide energy, improve concentration and learning; and prevent diseases. Common nutrition-related problems are obesity and anemia.
As part of the day's activities, learners participated in various physical and educational games designed to promote healthy lifestyles and nutritional education. These included skipping rope, cricket matches, fun walks, and other sporting events. The planting of vegetables gardens and trees encouraged school communities to promote food security. During the campaigns, community representatives included the traditional royal house, chiefs, and parents. The dieticians, nutrition experts and horticulturalists from the Departments of Health and Agriculture and the South African Military Health Services delivered key messages on promoting the adoption of healthy and sustainable meals, reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods, whilst encouraging collaboration across sectors to improve access to affordable, nutritious foods.
The Limpopo Department of Education Director for Special Projects, Dr Matamela Hendrick Matanga, expressed appreciation to the educators, principals, and School Governing Bodies for their support of the NSNP in improves learner performance. He called on parents to take an interest in their children’s nutrition and schoolwork.
During the commemorations in both provinces, Mr Nkululeko Dlamini, Public Affairs Manager and Ms Lindiwe Masango, Public Affairs Specialist at Nestlé South Africa a long-standing partner of the DBE, spoke about Nestlé’s ongoing commitment towards promoting good nutrition and healthy eating habits amongst school learners, emphasising how this collaboration aligns with Nestlé SA’s broader strategy to support quality education and health.
In her keynote address, Ms Lydia Maotoe, the Deputy Director leading Nutrition Education in all nine provinces, interacted with learners about healthy eating habits. The events at both schools served as a reminder of the critical role nutrition plays in learner development and community well-being.