21/05/2026
The Department of Basic Education, the Tiger Brands Foundation (TBF), and the Food Evolution Research Centre (FERC) at the University of Johannesburg invite members of the media and interested stakeholders to attend a national webinar focused on improving food safety in South African schools.
Titled “Strengthening Food Safety Systems for Safe and Healthy School Food Environments in South Africa,” the webinar comes amid increased national attention on food safety standards in environments serving children and vulnerable communities.
The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) provides meals to more than nine million learners daily, making schools one of the country’s most important food access points for children.
The webinar will bring together government officials, researchers, education stakeholders, and food safety specialists. Discussions will focus on risks within school food environments and ways to improve compliance, oversight, and safe food handling practices within the NSNP.
Speaking ahead of the webinar, Eugen Absolom, TBF Director, said:
“Food safety in schools is fundamental to protecting the health, dignity, and wellbeing of learners. Strengthening oversight, compliance, and collaboration across sectors is essential to ensuring every child has access to safe and responsibly prepared meals.”
The event aims to support stronger collaboration and practical action toward safer school nutrition environments across South Africa.
Media and interested stakeholders are encouraged to attend and engage with experts on this important issue.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, 21 May 2026
Time: 10:00 – 12:30
Venue: Auckland Park Kingsway Campus Library, University of Johannesburg
Format: In-person and online
Zoom Webinar Link:
https://zoom.us/j/96509915529
Register Here:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/VWtZHcPsRq-Bf19rY10gfg