JOHANNESBURG - South Africa’s hunger crisis is boiling over, spilling into a political battle over food prices.
Civil society groups and labour unions accuse major retailers of making billions while millions struggle to afford basic meals.
They’re threatening protests, boycotts, and legal action as part of a food justice week campaign.
South Africa may produce plenty of food, but activists say millions still can’t afford to eat properly.
Civil society organisations and labour unions have launched a campaign against hunger, soaring food prices, and what they call corporate profiteering.
They argue that workers produce the wealth, yet still live in poverty.
The campaign is putting major retailers, especially Shoprite, in the spotlight.
Activists accuse the retail giant of making millions from poor communities as hunger and malnutrition worsen.
But beyond food prices, activists say the hunger crisis is also exposing deep government failures.
The coalition is now demanding an urgent national food plan, the creation of a national food council, and legal accountability for child deaths from malnutrition.
With the cost-of-living soaring, activists warn that hunger in South Africa is no longer just a charity issue, but a political emergency.
As protests and boycotts loom, pressure is mounting on government and big business to respond.
- eNCA’s Nabeelah Shaikh reports.