“Ensuring every South African has access to adequate, nutritious food is not just a right but a moral obligation on all of us. History shows us that the stability of a nation depends on whether citizens have food on their tables.”
These were the words of agriculture minister John Steenhuisen during his keynote address at the 2024 World Food Day commemoration, held at NG Kerk in Afrika, Delportshoop in the Northern Cape today.
Under the theme “Right to food for a better life and a better future,” the event gathered key government officials, business leaders, and community members, including the deputy minister of agriculture, Nokuzola Capa, Northern Cape premier Zamani Saul, and MEC for agriculture Mase Manopole.
Steenhuisen noted the importance of collaborative efforts in combating hunger and malnutrition, highlighting that food security is a matter of national security.
“Government cannot meet this obligation alone. We need a whole-of-society approach – one that brings together the public sector, private businesses, and civil society to pool resources and achieve shared goals. Sustainable solutions lie in partnerships across sectors and empowering citizens to be self-reliant,” he said.
Jobs as the path to ending hunger
The minister stressed that while social relief programs remain essential, job creation is the most sustainable way to eliminate poverty and hunger.
“The dignity of earning an income is the foundation for self-reliance. As the agricultural sector continues to create jobs – even during tough times such as the pandemic – it plays a leading role in reducing unemployment and food insecurity.”
According to Steenhuisen, the agricultural sector contributed 896 000 new jobs at the end of the second quarter of this fiscal year.
He outlined the government’s focus on fostering public-private partnerships to grow both large-scale agribusinesses and small-scale farmers, with an emphasis on inclusivity.
“We are committed to expanding opportunities for young people, women, and historically disadvantaged groups to become agripreneurs.”
Strategic priorities for agricultural growth
The minister outlined the department of agriculture’s strategic objectives for the next five years, including:
- Building effective public-private partnerships to drive growth.
- Creating modern, inclusive legislative and regulatory environments.
- Improving market access and boosting exports.
- Providing comprehensive support for farmers to ensure sustainable operations.
- Strengthening biosecurity measures to safeguard local and international markets.
- Advocating for a growing, resilient agricultural sector.
Steenhuisen also emphasised that the unbundling of the department of agriculture from the department of land reform and rural development is aimed at making operations more focused and efficient.
“Our interventions will be evidence-based and data-driven to ensure every Rand is used effectively. The National Policy on Comprehensive Producer Development Support will guide our support to all categories of producers, ensuring growth from subsistence to commercial farming,” the minister added.
Addressing hunger and malnutrition in priority areas
The minister pointed to worrying statistics from the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey, revealing high rates of underweight, wasting, and stunting among children under five in the Northern Cape. Frances Baard, ZF Mngcawu, and John Taolo Gaetsewe districts were identified as priority areas.
“These grim numbers are a wake-up call for all of us to double our efforts. We must work together to beat hunger and malnutrition,” said Steenhuisen.
He also thanked private sector sponsors for their involvement in sustainable food initiatives, including donations, training programs, and garden projects at schools and community centres.
A call to action for sustainable agriculture
Steenhuisen furthermore highlighted the importance of long-term interventions, including biosecurity efforts to combat livestock diseases like foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and avian flu. “Our recent memorandum with China on FMD ensures that only affected regions face trade restrictions, protecting the broader agricultural sector’s interests,” he noted.
Looking ahead, the minister called for participation in the 2024 to 2029 National Food and Nutrition Security Plan, adding that sustainable change requires collaboration.
“The Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan is one of the key initiatives that will guide us forward, with funding and expertise provided through public-private partnerships.”
Steenhuisen extended his gratitude to the event’s sponsors, including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Fruit SA, Tiger Brands, Pepsico, Unilever, and more. “These partners are crucial in supporting communities and demonstrating that sustainable change is possible when we work together,” he said.
As he concluded, the minister reaffirmed his department’s commitment to creating a hunger-free South Africa.
“Government alone cannot achieve this goal. The power lies in building partnerships and ensuring that all South Africans – regardless of background –can contribute to and benefit from a thriving, inclusive agricultural sector. Together, we can beat hunger and secure a prosperous future for our nation.”
The commemoration ended with the distribution of food hampers and the launch of several sustainable agriculture initiatives in Delportshoop, marking the beginning of a renewed effort to tackle food insecurity in the region.
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