Johannesburg – Kathu Solar Park (KSP), a concentrated solar power thermal energy plant located near Kathu in the Northern Cape, has formed a strategic partnership with the Tiger Brands Foundation (TBF).
The partnership aims to implement TBF’s in-school breakfast programme.
This comes after KSP identified a need in their community and approached TBF to see how they could implement the in-school breakfast model locally.
As a result, KSP is making a significant financial commitment to sponsor five schools, over the next five years, which will benefit 4 468 learners who will receive a daily nutritious in-school breakfast.
“We are delighted to have concluded this strategic partnership with Tiger Brands Foundation,” says KSP CEO Zandi Nkone.
“We see this as a solid investment in the future of our country, as nourishing young growing minds should remain a priority to help develop the next generation of leaders.”
Since its inception in 2011, the TBF’s in-school breakfast programme, which complements the lunch provided by the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), has proven to be one of the most efficient nutrition programmes across in schools across South Africa.
This achievement is due to the public-private partnership between TBF and the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
The NSNP provides two nutritious meals to all learners in quintiles 1-3 primary and secondary schools across all provinces of South Africa.
It aims to enhance learners’ ability to learn, by ensuring they receive nutritious meals.
“Childhood nutrition is extremely important to physical and cognitive development, significantly impacting an individual’s lifelong health and well-being,” says TBF Director Eugene Absolom.
“Without proper nutrients, toddlers and preschoolers may struggle to develop the ability to maintain concentration, which becomes increasingly important as they grow older.
“In South Africa, malnutrition remains a significant underlying cause of child mortality and is associated with one-third of all child in-hospital deaths, according to UNICEF figures.
“Yet, preventing malnutrition in children remains a challenge whereas it should be a priority.”
Unfortunately, millions of South African learners come from vulnerable communities and their sole source of nutrition is the in-school nutrition programme that has been rolled out by the Department of Basic Education, and supported by organisations such as the TBF.
“The partnership between TBF and Kathu Solar Park demonstrates just how easy it is for other potential partners to come on board and adapt to TBF’s success model, which has repeatedly proven its enduring positive impact on learners’ educational outcomes,” says Absolom.
The Foundation acts as a complementor, working with organisations that share its commitment to providing nutritious meals to vulnerable learners, in beneficiary schools across South Africa.
The model is replicable, reliable, and sustainable, and – most importantly – upholds the dignity of learners while maintaining a focus on nutrition.
By partnering with the Foundation, KSP beneficiary schools will receive highly nutritious fortified porridge made from sorghum, maize, or oats.
Prepared by trained food handlers in clean, well-equipped kitchens – either newly constructed or renovated – the porridges ensure both quality and safety.
Learners are provided with a plate and set of utensils, allowing them to enjoy their meal with dignity.
The porridges and portion sizes by nutritionists meet optimal levels of micronutrients as recommended by the World Health Organisation and addresses key health challenges in vulnerable communities.
Deputy Minister of Basic Education Dr. Reginah Mhaule says the signing of the partnership highlights the importance of school nutrition programmes as a key investment.
These programmes not only support learners but also enhance the learning process, contributing to the development of a healthy and educated population.
“Currently, the NSNP supports more than nine million learners daily, providing a crucial intervention to improve their learning ability by combating malnutrition, reducing hunger, and enhancing school attendance,” says Dr. Mhaule.
“We are extremely happy that this partnership will deliver lasting, long-term returns on investment in the lives of the learners,” says Absolom.
“This is a clear example of the profound impact that strategic partnerships have on improving community welfare and education.”
