Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, launched the reviewed Guidelines for Tuck Shop Operators, School Vendors and Service Providers, to create awareness on food safety and the promotion of healthy eating to reduce obesity across the country. Deputy Minster Mhaule urged caregivers, parents and school communities to heed to the international call for global citizens to promote healthy eating.
Deputy Minister Mhaule and senior provincial education officials, hosted the commemoration of the 2025 World Obesity Day at Northbury Park Secondary School in KwaZulu-Natal’s Umgungundlovu Education District on 7 March 2025, to end the growing global obesity crisis by increasing awareness of the complications of being overweight under this year’s theme, “Changing Systems, Healthier Lives”. The school is a Quintile 4 school with approximately 300 learners benefiting from the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP).
As recommended by local and international health professionals, obesity in children can be prevented if healthy eating is sustained at school and at home. During the commemoration, parents and caregivers were reminded to plan meals properly to ensure balanced diets: it is advised to include affordable, nutrient-rich food such as fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, eggs, tinned fish, chicken, milk and maas in your diet; drink plenty of clean, safe water daily; avoid quick solutions such as skipping meals; reduce sugar, salt and fat intake; and consult a health care provider on healthy weight loss approaches. The involvement of health systems, government systems, food systems, the media and environmentalists in healthy eating advocacy will assist local and international communities to suppress the increasing rate of obesity amongst global citizens, especially school going children.
Deputy Minister Mhaule said that the promotion of healthy eating within the school environment is pivotal, whilst health hazards triggered by obesity challenges must be highlighted. “For the past three decades, Government has been serving healthy meals to school going children in various communities through the NSNP. This flagship programme remains one of the most impactful nutrition interventions, which is currently feeding more than 9 million learners nationally. The programme promotes the rights of children to basic education, as well as the right to basic nutrition, as enshrined in the Constitution; access to sufficient healthy food and clean water is a basic human right”.
Dr Mhaule further indicated that to win the battle against obesity amongst learners, schools must initiate vegetable gardens and schools must be green: “The culture of growing our own food has the potential to improve household food security, which could conquer malnutrition and hunger, whilst living healthier lifestyles through engaging in physical activities. I urge the school, tuck shop operators, vendors and local authorities to work together to ensure that food safety and healthy options prevail. Tuck shops must lead by example for better nutrition and showcase healthy food options and meal preparation tips. Don’t sell food cooked in reused cooking oil or items with excessive sugar, salt or colourants. Tuck shops must be cleaned daily to prevent contamination. Prepare food daily and avoid leftovers. All tuck shop operators must ensure compliance by displaying their Certificate of Acceptability (CoA) at all times. Safe food means healthy learners! Let’s all work together towards changing the systems for our children to lead healthier lives and a healthier future,” she concluded.
The day was celebrated with physical activities such as a fun-walk, whilst various health services were available for advocacy and information purposes.