A group of protesters expressed their disappointment at President Cyril Ramaphosa and former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela after both failed to meet with them during the 7th Social Justice Summit at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Friday.

The demonstrators, who stood metres away from the venue where Ramaphosa delivered the keynote address, represented the Union Against Hunger, a civil society organisation advocating for food security in South Africa.

Nzama Mbalati described the day as significant because the president was attending the social justice conference.

“As the head of state, I think the issue of hunger is critical. We know that 11,000 children die every year simply because they do not have enough food to eat. It is important today, in commemoration of their lives, to bring the plight of communities to public attention. That is why we have been organising communities from the ground up, from high literacy groups, from research projects, and from impoverished communities, to understand this issue and take action within their localities.

“Some of the key demands in the memorandum include the full realisation of the right to food, so that it is more than just a constitutional provision. Households are going hungry every day. We are calling on the government and the private sector to prevent food waste and to ensure that food producers address the immediate needs of hungry citizens. No one should go to bed hungry in South Africa. The country has enough resources to ensure everyone has sufficient food.”

Cosatu’s Tony Erenreich added: “It is our solidarity. We must stand together to fight against those who want to exploit us. Hunger stems from historical injustices, including the stealing of our land. Today, big companies that produce bread have colluded to overcharge, leaving children hungry. Even the price of chicken, a key source of protein, has risen dramatically. We stand with the people and demand that all basic foodstuffs be exempted from bans so they become more affordable.”

Community activist Nkosikhona Swartbooi, coordinator of the Movement for CARE, criticised both the Presidency and Madonsela for failing to receive their memorandum.

“Both the President and Thuli Madonsela have shown us a middle finger today. They are no longer available to acknowledge our presence. We are being insulted by the President and by the office of the former Public Protector, who is hosting a social justice conference opposite where we are at the CTICC.

“We are here in our hundreds, and when we return to respond to this insult, we shall do so in thousands. Nothing will stop us from taking this memorandum to her residence if necessary. We are mobilising resources and communities to decide whether we ask her to come to us again or deliver the memorandum directly to her.”

Unite for Hunger’s Yandiswa Mazwana said the memorandum, intended for the presidential office, had no delegate available to receive it.

“This memorandum creates a more equitable and suitable food system. Every individual deserves access to nutritious food and opportunities for a dignified life. I am coming from Masiphumelele, where in just one month we collected five bodies of newly born babies who died due to poverty. Yet the presidential office did not honour its promise to meet with us. We are asking the government to address food security and ensure that every individual and citizen across the country is fed fairly and equally.”

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za 

Source link