KZN school nutrition supplier withdrawal welcomed
Opposition parties have welcomed the withdrawal of Pacina Retail as the supplier of the R2.1 billion KZN school nutrition tender.
The company that won the tender decided to pull out of the deal on Wednesday with immediate effect.
KZN Education and the service provider have been dragged through the mud recently, after the supplier failed to provide food to over 5 400 schools in KZN under the National Schools Nutrition Programme.
IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa who called for the termination of the contract earlier this week, says they were surprised that the announcement to terminate the contractor was made by the ANC, and not the provincial government.
"There is a clear line between the ANC and the provincial government. According to the correct procedures, the Department of Education or the Premier should have made this announcement, irrespective of whether the decision was influenced or taken by the ANC."
The DA's Imran Keeka says the withdrawal by the company must not stop any inquiry by the Special Investigation Unit into how this tender was awarded.
"Above all, there must be accountability for what ensued, and those found culpable must face the might of the law. This ANC-run provincial government cannot allow another situation where millions of young people starve, yet again, due to incompetence and alleged dishonesty when it comes to tender processes involving the NSNP."
