Soweto Town Hall urges political action on Johannesburg food insecurity

Community activist Nnino Makola believes that access to food, much like access to shelter and healthcare, is a basic human right that must be guaranteed by a caring government.

Makola, along with a coalition of civil society representatives, gathered on Tuesday at Orlando Communal Hall for a robust town hall meeting addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity in Johannesburg.

Makola, a participant in the discussion, emphasised that access to food is a fundamental human right, on par with the need for adequate shelter and healthcare.

"We cannot allow for the continued capitalisation of food. When we allow for capitalisation, we are depriving people of a basic human right," he said.

Makola called for community food distribution and preparation centres. These proposed centres would not only provide meals to those in need but also create job opportunities for local youth and the unemployed, fostering both nourishment and economic stability.

Statistical data from the City of Johannesburg reveals that a staggering 30.9% of its population grapples with food insecurity, highlighting a growing crisis that is all too familiar for many families, especially in the most vulnerable communities.

Busiso Moya, representing UAH, underscored the urgency of questioning political leaders about their plans for ensuring that every citizen in Johannesburg can gain access to sufficient, nutritious, and affordable food.

"We believe that ordinary people have the right to food, and we encourage vigilance on this issue," Moya urged, invoking a call to action directed at political parties that seek to represent the voices of the residents of Johannesburg.

"What will you do to ensure that every person in Johannesburg can access sufficient, affordable and nutritious food?"

The Town Hall event aimed to create a platform for dialogue between voters and political candidates, enabling them to address the ongoing difficulties faced by many due to escalating food prices and the rising cost of living.

For thousands of households, the struggle against hunger is not merely a political narrative but a daily reality, forcing difficult choices between necessities.

Activist Thabang Kotsedi from Youth Against Hunger voiced a strong message, calling for political partners to collaborate with youth initiatives in the fight against food insecurity.

"We want political parties to partner with us and not prevent young people from bringing solutions to the issue," she demanded.

The plight of South African grandmothers was also brought to light, with Ennie Wilson, a pensioner caring for two disabled grandchildren, sharing her distressing experience.

"It has been tough for me to take care of myself and two of my grandchildren who are disabled after their disability grants were withdrawn by the government," she lamented.

With rising food prices and a fixed budget of just R2 000 for necessities, Wilson reflected on the tough choices forced upon her every day, as she and fellow grandmothers strive to feed their starving community.

As the gathering heated up with political parties making their inputs, Build One SA's City of Joburg mayoral candidate, Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, stated that only an enabling and conducive business environment will help bring about meaningful change that will stop hunger in the city.

"We need to build an enabling economic environment to create the jobs we are talking of. People need jobs. When we outline those things, we will be able to address hunger and other socio-economic challenges," she said.

siyabonga.sithole@nationalmg.co.za