Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, has seen significant progress in the fight against food insecurity and poverty, according to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Social Development. The department held a commemorative event, aimed to strengthen social protection systems for the most vulnerable in the uThukela District. 

Held at the Valjas Sports Ground in Phayikeni area under Alfred Duma Local Municipality, the World Food Day commemoration showcased the pledge of the provincial government to combat the escalating cost of living by enhancing food security initiatives. 

World Food Day marks the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organisation. It aims to raise awareness about hunger, food security, and nutrition. In South Africa, the government uses this day to highlight these concerns, particularly among women in rural areas.

Hundreds of community members attended the event, with Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa and Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga leading the charge.

The MECs distributed 200 food parcels as part of the Department of Social Development’s Social Relief of Distress (SRD) initiative to alleviate poverty in communities. 

The Gcabhane Sondlisizwe Project, an agricultural cooperative located at Watersmeet in Ladysmith, has pledged to use government-provided infrastructure on its 38 hectares of agricultural land. The cooperative is committed to using this infrastructure for its designated purpose, fostering self-sustainability, and ensuring responsible use.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is providing support to this cooperative through a mechanisation programme. The programme offers various forms of assistance, including production inputs, seeds, fertilisers, and extension services. This initiative follows the recent General Household Survey, which highlighted varying levels of food insecurity across KZN’s districts. The survey found that 19% of households in the province experience severe or moderate hunger, with a higher prevalence in districts such as Zululand, uMzinyathi, and uMkhanyakude.

KaMadlopha-Mthethwa pledged that all cooperatives receiving government assistance would be required to ensure they put it to good use and ensure self-sustainability. The cooperative cultivates maize and sells it locally, although they decried access to markets as a challenge for their produce. 

“While we are commemorating this day, let us not forget those who often go to bed without food. South Africa is a food-secure nation; our efforts should be on ensuring that every citizen has food on their table. South Africa is a country of contrasts, with some people suffering from obesity due to more unhealthy foods, while agricultural companies experience post-harvest losses,” kaMadlopha-Mthethwa said.  

“We urge these companies to adopt innovative ways by investing in technology, and as the government, we will also play a role to facilitate market access.”

Shinga reaffirmed her commitment to tackling poverty and social ills in communities. 

“The Department of Social Development is more than just a grant Department; we actively engage with the community. Our social workers attend war rooms to ensure that social issues are adequately addressed in communities,” Shinga said.  

“We visited a household where a young individual struggling with substance addiction will be referred to a rehabilitation centre managed by the Department of Social Development. Additionally, we encountered another young man interested in participating in our youth development camps, and I will ensure he is enrolled in the program. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to developmental support beyond mere financial assistance.”

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za

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