Food and nutrition security strategies

By:Noluthando Mbonane & Thobile Simelane

Zero hunger starts with one seed 

Food security is not a single issue challenge. It is a complex multi-diversional issue that is shaped by intersection of economic, social and structural inequalities. It’s influenced by income, employment, special inequality, access to basic services and the enduring legacy of exclusion that continue to define who has access to opportunities and who does not. 

The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) hosted an event of Gauteng food and nutrition security strategy symposium on 25 March 2026 at the Garden Venue, Randburg. For the purpose to build more resilient food systems that ensure reliable access to safe, nutritious food for all in Gauteng residents. MEC of health and wellness, NomuntuNkomo-Ralehoko says, “platforms of the event like this help us to reflects on the challenges that are faced by our communities and working together on practical solutions and sustainable solutions”.

About 8 million people in Gauteng that are experiencing food insecurity. This also includes university students who do not have access to enough food and nutrition, due to enable to afford. MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development VuyiswaRamokgopa state, “Today colleague we gather hear to do just more than talk. This is the moment for us to collectively reflect, collectively came up with solutions and collectively craft what will become Gauteng food and nutrition policy and that will guide the work of the department and the province in the next five years”. 

Unemployment has affected young people the most both graduates and uneducated people. These people are unable to provide for their families or even meet their basic needs. As a result, there is an increase in food insecurity and a decrease in access to health care. MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development Vuyiswa Ramokgopa says, “Food security is an intersection challenge and the experience of hunger is not the same for everyone. It is deeper and more complex and more persistent for those marginalized”. 

Dr. Rodrigo Lopes de Almeida, Agricultural Attaché of the Embassy of Brazil, emphasized the importance of international partnerships in solving local hunger. He highlighted the shared challenges and goals between Brazil and South Africa, he said "We are trying to enhance this partnership... especially in the Global South. There is a South American experience, a Brazilian experience, in agriculture that can contribute to the needs of this program. We are here to make this overlap between our roles and see how we can collectively contribute to these goals."

The symposium marks a critical turning point for Gauteng, moving beyond fragmented relief efforts toward a unified, five-year strategic policy. By bridging the gap between local clinical initiatives, like the "One Clinic, One Garden" project, and international expertise from partners like Brazil, the province is building a more resilient food system. Ultimately, achieving "Zero Hunger" in Gauteng will require more than just planting seeds; it demands a dismantling of the economic and structural inequalities that have kept 8 million residents in the shadow of food insecurity for too long.