COPE: South Africa’s children are not billboards for junk Corporations

GAUTENG - The Congress of the People (COPE) says it stands in solidarity with civil society organisations in condemning the alarming trend of corporate branding infiltrating South African classrooms, as exemplified by the recent donation of McDonald’s branded ‘Mi Desk’ desks to Cape Town schools.

 

Facilitated by Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube, party Acting Secretary General Erick Mohlapamaswi, says this move represents a dangerous compromise of the children’s rights and a betrayal of the state’s constitutional duty to protect and uplift the most vulnerable.

 "South Africa’s children are not billboards for junk food corporations. At a time when our nation grapples with an obesity epidemic and rising non-communicable diseases, disproportionately affecting working-class and rural black communities, this partnership exposes children to predatory marketing of high-fat, sugar and salt foods," Mohlapamaswi critcised.

 

"COPE rejects this cynical ploy by McDonald’s, which masquerades as charity while profiting from the health crisis it helps perpetuate. Our children deserve better than to be pawns in a corporate game," he added.

"COPE asserts that education is a public good, not a marketplace for private interests. The Department of Basic Education must not neglect its mandate by outsourcing its responsibilities to profiteers. We echo the call for the immediate recall of these branded desks and for the state to provide dignified learning conditions without corporate strings attached," Mohlapamaswi demanded.