The purpose of this webinar was to conduct a timely and in-depth examination of the escalating hunger crisis in South Africa. It sought to move beyond a narrow discussion of "food security"—which focuses primarily on availability and access—and pivot towards the more transformative concept of "food sovereignty," which emphasizes people's right to define their own food systems, control productive resources like land and seeds, and produce food in ecologically sound and culturally appropriate ways.

Importantly, the dialogue was framed within the context of South Africa’s constitutional obligations, the persistent failure of existing policies, and the converging threats of inequality, climate change, and corporate dominance in the food sector.

Conclusions emanating from the Webinar include sentiments that hunger in South Africa is as a result of profound social and economic injustice. The state’s duty is not only to feed but to create the conditions for people to feed themselves. In Addition, without addressing the land question and the challenges of tenure security, other interventions will remain superficial.

Actively, the Webinar recommended amongst others for the SAHRC to use the inquiry to advocate vigorously for the drafting and passage of a comprehensive Framework Law on the Right to Food, which would operationalize Section 27 of the Constitution. Actively investigate and use its powers to address corporate profiteering, anti-competitive behaviour, and the marketing of unhealthy foods as violations of human rights.

The report can be accessed here

ENDS

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

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