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Schools and districts recognised for excellence in school nutrition programme

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Schools and districts recognised for excellence in school nutrition programme

11 September 2026

The Provincial Best School and District Awards recently celebrated schools, districts, principals and officials who go the extra mile to ensure that learners receive a nutritious meal every school day.

Hosted at Steilhoogte Primary School in Vredendal, the awards recognised excellence in the implementation of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP).

In the district category, the Metro South Education District was named the top-performing district in the province. The district also achieved national recognition by securing third place in the National Best School Awards competition. The West Coast Education District placed second, while the Metro Central Education District took third place.

In the Best School category, Fairdale Primary School in Mfuleni claimed first place, followed by Paramount High School in Mitchells Plain in second place. Ashbury Primary School in Montagu secured third place. St Thomas Primary School in Malmesbury and Maxonia Primary School in Grabouw were named runners-up.

Elizabethfontein Primary School in Clanwilliams was honoured as the province's Best Farm School. The school also achieved national success as a runner-up in the national competition.

Fairdale Primary School Principal, Bongiwe Kuze, said the school was deeply honoured to be named the best school in the province for implementing the NSNP. “This award belongs to our hardworking kitchen staff, our NSNP coordinator, our educators who supervise daily, our parents who support us, and our learners who are at the heart of everything we do. At Fairdale, we believe that a nourished child is a child ready to learn. The NSNP is not just about a meal; it is about dignity, attendance, concentration and giving every child an equal chance to succeed.”

She thanked the Western Cape Education Department and the NSNP sub-directorate for their guidance, training and unwavering support, adding that this recognition would inspire the school to continue maintaining high standards of hygiene, accountability and care.