Eastern Cape Department of Education’s Butterworth District claims victory, for being number one in the country for their School Nutrition Program.  A memorable celebration was held at the Butterworth District office on the 24^th May 2017, for their outstanding achievement.

Butterwoth District and Ithembelihle Primary of King Williams Town District were nominated as finalists as the best performing District and School in the implementation of NSNP in the Eastern Cape Province.  The district and school were sent to compete nationally with Districts and Schools from other Provinces.

The provincial NSNP Coordinator together with Butterworth Officials were invited to attend the National Award Ceremony for finalists, in the Western Cape, were Butterworth was awarded the best district in South Africa and Ithembelihle Primary School as one of the national finalists by the Department of Basic Education.

NosisaSwendu, National School Nutrition Program Director, graced the occasion saying, “Here we are assembled to celebrate excellence, here we are assembled to celebrate success and we are here because of that outstanding display of excellence in monitoring and support at our schools.

1.7 millionLearners rely on the School Nutrition Program daily andBabiniMzimane, Assistant Director for Planning and Monitoring, goes the extra mile to make sure that the SNP coordinators monitor and support schools, so that learners get a well balanced meal every day.   Mzimane strives in three areas, one, the actual feeding scheme, where learners get a meal daily, two, to get the school to be self sustained through the planting of gardens, and three, Educate on nutrition.

From 1994 the SNP has been running, but back then bread, peanut butter and juice was served.  BabalwaMatolengwe the SNP coordinator for East London District says, “We have come a long way since then and now we serve a fully balanced nutritional meal tour learners, of which most are dependent on.

With pride and excitement, Butterworth District received a brand new bakkie for their Program, R80 000 from one of the Department of Basic Educations partners Tiger Brand Foundation and R120 000 from the Provincial Department of Education, together with certificates and trophies.

Butterworth District Director, Mxotwa proudly said, “A support system is very critical, and in this district we have a very good one, Halala Butterworth Halala.

Well done SNP, keep up the outstanding work.