The SAHRC has been actively involved in addressing malnutrition and food insecurity, as seen in, amongst others, our comprehensive report on child malnutrition, SAHRC Provincial Inquiry into Child Malnutrition and the Right to Food in the Eastern Cape. Our findings echoed several key issues raised in the NFNSS report, including the high rates of child stunting and wasting. The NFNSS confirms that 28.8% of children under five in South Africa suffer from stunting, while 5.3% are affected by wasting—both of which were identified as critical issues in our malnutrition inquiry. These statistics serve as a reminder of the urgency to address child malnutrition to ensure the right to basic nutrition for all children.
Additionally, the report reinforces the SAHRC's findings regarding the high levels of food wastage in South Africa. With over 243,000 tons of edible food ending up in landfills annually, we call for more efficient food distribution systems and the potential implementation of food banks to combat hunger. The NFNSS also emphasises the impact of socio-economic factors, confirming that education, employment, and access to social grants significantly influence food security. This aligns with our recommendations for an integrated approach to address the root causes of food insecurity, such as poverty and unemployment, while advocating for policy improvements in social assistance programs like the Child Support Grant (CSG).
The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated, as 323 children have tragically died in provincial hospitals in the Eastern Cape since April 2021 due to conditions associated with malnutrition and hunger. These deaths are not just statistics; they are lost futures, and each one represents a failure of our collective responsibility. One child’s death is already too many, and it is clear that immediate action is required to prevent further loss of life. We are calling for the urgent adoption of a comprehensive implementation plan to action the findings and recommendations of both the SAHRC’s malnutrition report and the NFNSS, ensuring that no more children fall through the cracks.
Both the NFNSS and SAHRC’s findings highlight the importance of coordinated efforts between government, civil society, and the private sector to ensure food security. We have consistently advocated for the government and private sector to work together, particularly in leveraging logistics systems to redistribute surplus food to needy people.
The SAHRC is committed to continuing its work to ensure that the rights of all South Africans to sufficient food, as enshrined in Section 27 of the Constitution, are realised. The findings of the NFNSS report underscore the need for urgent, coordinated action, and we remain engaged with the government at all levels to drive sustainable solutions.
We also take this opportunity to reaffirm the enforceability of children's rights, especially the right to basic nutrition. While fiscal constraints are a reality, these rights are immediately enforceable, and we call on all stakeholders to prioritise implementing effective measures to address food insecurity and child malnutrition.
The SAHRC will continue to monitor developments and advocate for accountability to ensure that every child in South Africa has access to sufficient and nutritious food. We are encouraged by the increased awareness around these issues, as seen through the media coverage and engagements following our report, and remain dedicated to being a central voice in the fight against hunger.
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For further information or inquiries, please contact Wisani Baloyi, SAHRC Communications Coordinator on 081 016 8308 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..