The Congress of the People (COPE) has joined concerned citizens and civil organizations in criticizing the rollout of McDonald’s-branded foldable desks in Eastern Cape schools, calling it an alarming trend of corporate branding infiltrating classrooms.
Last week, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube announced that McDonald’s had donated foldable plastic desks to Grade 1 learners to help ease the burden of inadequate school furniture. The initiative has benefited five rural schools in the province, providing portable desks that double as school bags.
COPE Calls Corporate Branding in Schools a ‘Dangerous Compromise’
In a strongly worded statement, COPE condemned the initiative, stating that it compromises children’s rights and betrays the government’s duty to provide a quality, independent education.
“South Africa’s children are not billboards for junk food corporations,” COPE declared.
The party linked the initiative to the country’s growing obesity epidemic, particularly among working-class and rural black communities, where fast food consumption is a rising health concern. COPE criticized McDonald’s for using education as a marketing tool, saying the fast-food giant profits from the very health crisis it perpetuates.
Education or Corporate Marketing? COPE Rejects ‘Cynical Ploy’
COPE dismissed the McDonald’s initiative as a “cynical ploy masquerading as charity”, arguing that education should not be a marketplace for private interests.
“This incident lays bare the failures of austerity and government neglect. The underfunding of education has created a vacuum that corporations like McDonald’s, Old Mutual, and Hollywood Bets exploit for branding opportunities,” the party said.
COPE called on the government to immediately recall the branded desks and replace them with state-funded, neutral alternatives. It further demanded accountability from Minister Gwarube and the Department of Basic Education.
Calls for Government to Take Responsibility
Beyond the desk issue, COPE urged National Treasury to reverse budget cuts in education and ensure every child has access to a safe, healthy, and exploitation-free learning environment.
“South Africa’s future depends on a government that serves its people, not sells them out,” COPE emphasized.
Minister Gwarube Defends McDonald’s Desk Initiative
Despite the backlash, Minister Siviwe Gwarube defended the initiative, stating that the foldable desks were approved by UNESCO and would significantly improve learning conditions for disadvantaged children.
However, public figures like Mmusi Maimane and other education advocates have echoed COPE’s concerns, questioning whether corporate sponsorship in education sets a harmful precedent.
