Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasized that addressing poverty and the rising cost of living are key strategic priorities for the Government of National Unity (GNU) in South Africa. The President highlighted the critical role that access to nutritious food plays in the health and development of individuals and societies.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa noted in his weekly newsletter that approximately 15 to 16 million South Africans face inadequate access to food. The South African Constitution enshrines the right to food and water, mandating the state to take reasonable measures to progressively realize this right.
Since the end of apartheid in 1994, successive administrations have adopted a multifaceted approach to combat hunger and improve food security. This includes legislative reforms, nutrition programs at primary health care levels, and initiatives like the school feeding scheme. Social grants, free basic services, and free education have also been part of efforts to alleviate financial burdens on households, allowing them to afford food.
The social wage in South Africa accounts for about 60% of government spending before interest payments, a significant portion compared to other upper-middle-income countries. A 2021 World Bank report praised the country’s social programs for effectively reducing poverty and inequality.
The School Nutrition Programme has been a transformative policy, providing daily nutrition to over nine million learners from impoverished households. This initiative has improved school attendance and academic performance by sourcing nutritious ingredients from school and community gardens.
However, despite these efforts, many South African households remain food insecure due to high unemployment, poverty, and limited economic growth. Statistics South Africa data indicates that inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages continues to rise, pressuring household budgets.
The zero-rating of basic food items since 1991 has helped low-income households manage rising food costs. However, external factors such as energy and transportation costs, droughts, and global supply chain disruptions, along with practices like price-fixing, have exacerbated food insecurity.
The Competition Commission has been active in enforcing accountability in the food market. Delegates at the 7th Social Justice Summit agreed that improving food security is a collective effort. Retailers are encouraged to ensure affordable, healthy food choices are available to low-income households, thereby playing a role in addressing food insecurity.