South Africans were promised that after last year's devastating food poisoning tragedy that claimed the lives of dozens of children, every possible step would be taken to protect learners. Yet today, the Public Protector has laid bare a picture of neglect that is nothing short of alarming. Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka says the investigation found that only 262 of Gauteng's 1,675 schools participating in the National School Nutrition Programme have valid Certificates of Acceptability. Hundreds of schools reportedly don't even have proper kitchens or safe food preparation areas. These are the very places where children receive the meals many depend on to survive. How can government continue serving food in facilities that fail basic health and safety standards? Who takes responsibility when the systems designed to protect our children are found wanting? Tonight, we unpack the Public Protector's
explosive findings and ask whether enough is being done to prevent another tragedy.