This profound contradiction represents a malfunction in the food systems of South Africa, and a grave violation of the constitutional right of everyone to have access to sufficient food, as guaranteed under section 27(1)(b) of the Constitution.

Under section 184(2) of the Constitution, the South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission or SAHRC) is empowered to investigate and to report on the observance of human rights and to take steps to secure appropriate redress where human rights have been violated. In fulfilment of its constitutional mandate, the Commission will convene a National Investigative Hearing into the Food Systems of South Africa. The hearing will be held during Human Rights Month in March 2026.

The National Hearing will inquire into, make findings, report on, and make recommendations and/or directives concerning the following issues/themes for investigation: 

1. A crisis of Historical Justice, Not Scarcity: The structural dynamics and economic factors that perpetuate hunger and systemic exclusions, despite national food sufficiency.
2. Corporate Capture of the Food System: The concentration and distribution of power in the food value chain - and its impact on access, affordability, and nutritional quality.
3. Land and Agrarian Reform: The link between land access, tenure security, and food insecurity, especially for women, smallholder, and communal farmers.
4. The Indivisibility of Rights: The intersection between the right to food and related constitutional rights, i.e: dignity, health, water, and environment.
5. Indigenous Knowledge and Agroecology: The role of indigenous knowledge systems, traditional seed practices, and agroecology in achieving food security and resilience.
6. Systemic failures and Fragmented Governance: Institutional coordination, policy coherence, and legislative adequacy in realising the right to food.
7. The Power of Civic Mobilization: The role of civic participation, public accountability, and social movements in advancing the right to food.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

The Commission will receive both written and oral submissions from identified government departments, state entities, business chambers, and communities for the purposes of the inquiry. The Commission hereby further invites submissions from any interested parties who have information that can assist in this investigation. The Commission will accept both written and oral submissions for the purposes of the inquiry. Submissions must be provided in writing and should clearly indicate:

• The issue(s)/theme(s) addressed;
• The name of the institution, organisation, or individual submitting; and
• Relevant supporting documents or evidence, if available.

Submissions should be sent to:

• By email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or
• By mail: Sentinel House, Sunnyside Office Park, 32 Princess of Wales Terrace, JHB

The closing date for submissions is Friday 30 January 2026.

Links for the concept note, terms of reference and Report on the Right to Food Webinar

The Commission will announce the detailed programme, venue, and modalities for the hearing in due course. Selected stakeholders may be invited to present oral evidence during the proceedings.

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION