The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on the Eastern Cape government to redirect approximately R850 million currently allocated to catering and travel expenses toward feeding hungry children in the province.
The call comes amid growing concern from opposition parties and civil society about child hunger and the province’s failure to meet basic needs in many rural and impoverished communities.
The DA argues that the current spending on non-essential items such as travel and catering is excessive given the severity of food insecurity in the province. It is urging that these funds be reallocated so that every child in the Eastern Cape has access to nutritious daily meals. The party is pushing for greater transparency and accountability in how public funds are used, especially in sectors like social development and education, where children’s welfare should be the top priority.
To date, the Eastern Cape government has not publicly committed to any reallocation of the R850 million or given a detailed breakdown of its catering and travel spending vis-à-vis the province’s child nutrition budget. The provincial government has acknowledged challenges in delivering social grants and feeding schemes, particularly in remote areas, but emphasizes that budgetary constraints and infrastructural issues also play a role.
Reallocating funds could help scale up school feeding programmes, support community kitchens, or strengthen social safety nets for families struggling with food insecurity. However, such changes would require adjustments in existing contracts, budget approvals, and possibly policy amendments to ensure proper oversight. Critics warn that without rigorous monitoring, redirected funds may not necessarily reach those most in need.
The DA’s campaign underscores broader debates in South Africa over fiscal priorities and social justice. As the cost of living rises and poverty deepens, political pressure is mounting on governments at all levels to prove that public spending serves the most vulnerable, especially children.