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In response to the State of the Nation Address, delivered on Thursday 10 February 2022, the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security (CoE-FS) welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s comments on the imperative of addressing poverty and hunger, and his acknowledgement of the vital role that has been played by South Africa’s social protection system.

In anticipation of the upcoming Budget Speech, we look forward to more substantive steps, in particular, increasing the Child Support Grant to at least the level of the Food Poverty Line.

We welcome the extension of the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant to more than 10 million unemployed people for a further year, which we see as an essential transitional step towards the provision of permanent Basic Income Support to all unemployed adults in South Africa who have no access to the Unemployment Insurance Fund.

The CoE-FS also welcome the president’s commitment to improving opportunities for small businesses. In the case of food and nutrition security, informal food vendors and small home shops are important and convenient sources of food. However, they are frequently targeted by local authorities for illegal trading, and in some cases, the victims of corruption, crime and xenophobic violence. Specific action is required to assist these entrepreneurs and to grow and improve their contribution to the South African food system.

The president’s comments concerning agro-logistics are also welcome. Exports of South African perishable foods are not only important for the economy; ultimately, they support the livelihoods of farmworkers, and indirectly, livelihoods in the towns and villages from which they buy goods and services. However, a strong caveat is needed: this exporting option cannot be disconnected from climate change. Exporting fresh products means exporting water in a country where water will become more of a core issue. Therefore, it has to be developed with significant mitigation measures related to farm practices with water-saving modes of irrigation, more biodiversity in the fields for moisture management, and the adoption of agro-ecological practices.

Finally, if the president refers to the pain and indignity of hunger, he does not address its root causes within our food economy. South Africa has a positive food balance with sophisticated policies, but a poor record in terms of food security and nutrition.

To deal with this paradox, an effective integrated food strategy is necessary. It must address the different dimensions in the food system, from farm to fork and waste, with particular attention to the consumer food environment. Here, the role of civil society engagement is critical, as well as the dynamics existing at the local level which must be supported. Thus, the development of local food systems should be a major component of the new District Development Model.

Read related CoE-FS publications:

• Investigating the South African food insecurity paradox: A systematic review of food system governance in South Africa
• Civil society organisations: CSOs should have a central role in food governance
• Leveraging informal trade: Governance strategies to cultivate resilient, inclusive food economies

[Photo: GCIS]