Ramaphosa bemoans SA's malnutrition challenge despite hefty funds allocated for social welfare

President Cyril Ramaphosa has questioned why malnutrition remains a challenge, despite the government allocating over 60% of its budget to social welfare programmes.

Ramaphosa made the remarks while addressing the 7th Social Justice Summit at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Friday.

More than 28 million people in South Africa receive social grants, a system the government believes helps combat malnutrition.

Ramaphosa said the government must intensify efforts to curb food insecurity.

“Severe and acute malnutrition remains a challenge. It is worrying when we continue to hear that malnutrition is increasing in a number of areas in court country. In the Eastern Cape and other areas. And yet, we have embarked on one of the biggest social welfare programmes on our continent, spending up to 61% of our budget on social welfare.”