SA Human Rights Commission investigates why millions go hungry despite abundant resources

The pervasive issue of food insecurity in South Africa is officially under scrutiny, as the Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) launches public hearings to investigate why millions continue to go hungry despite the nation's abundant resources.

The hearings, which will incorporate both written and oral submissions, are strategically scheduled for March next year, coinciding with Human Rights Month in South Africa.

EXPECTED SUBMISSIONS
The Commission anticipates a broad range of input from key stakeholders, including:

Government departments

State entities

Businesses

Communities directly affected by hunger

A 'PROFOUND CONTRADICTION'
Wisani Baloyi, spokesperson for the Commission, highlighted the core paradox driving the investigation: despite South Africa being rich in food resources, millions of its citizens are still forced to go to bed hungry.

Baloyi stated: “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.”

Written by Puleng Maake