COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS TRIGGERED A RISE IN HUNGER IN SOUTH AFRICA
By: Nobukhosi Tshabalala
Twitter: @n_tshabalala_
Email Address: ayakhosi32@gmail.com
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic loss of human life worldwide and presents an unprecedented challenge to the public health, food systems and the world of work.
The economic and social disruption caused by the pandemic is devastating millions of people who are at risk of falling into extreme poverty. While the number of undernourished people, currently estimated at nearly 690 million, could increase by up to 132 million by the end of the year.
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Food insecurity is a reality for many South African households, with approximately 50% of households living under the poverty line and not being able to afford basic food. Low-income households typically spend about a third of total expenditure on food.
The spread of the global COVID-19 pandemic to South Africa is causing further pressure on vulnerable households facing temporary or permanent employment interruptions.
In addition, the primary caretakers of these households now have more mouths to feed, including children that previously benefited from the National School Feeding Programme also relying on their primary care givers for food.
The COVID-19 outbreak in South Africa has forced government to develop interventions to ensure vulnerable households have access to safe and nutritious food during the current state of emergency. One being implemented on a provincial government level involves the distribution of food aid parcels to vulnerable households. The food parcels will see many households through one of the greatest pandemics of our time.
According to a report released by Statistics South Africa, Measuring Food Security in South Africa: Applying the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, almost 23,6 per cent of South Africans in 2020 were affected by moderate to severe food insecurity, while almost 14,9% experienced severe food insecurity.
Restaurant Waiter, Nolwazi Mtshali said that COVID-19 had a big impact on her life as a waiter because restaurants were closed and business was slow. She couldn’t afford to buy bread for her children and that led her to register for food parcels.
When decision makers in South Africa responded to the COVID-19 crisis, the needs of ‘informal’ traders and their important contribution to food security were clearly not considered. This reflects a lack of knowledge about the sector and entrenched negative attitudes towards it.
The pandemic continues to create devastating effects on global hunger and poverty especially on the poorest and most vulnerable populations.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said that President Cyril Ramaphosa and his National Command Council (NCC) debate the balance between securing food supply in South Africa and containing the spread of COVID-19 daily.
Mkhize further explained that they were acutely aware of issues around food security and that the government would take decisions in the best interest of the people.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that a further 250,000 parcels will be distributed across the country. The implementation of technology-based solutions to provide food assistance at scale through vouchers and cash transfers will also be incorporated to ensure that help reaches those who need it faster and more efficiently.
Due to COVID-19, movement was limited, therefore it has moved to feeding people using food parcels. One being implemented on a provincial government level involves the distribution of food aid parcels to vulnerable households.
“We werereally affected by this lockdown because the kids want food, when the president implemented lockdown and told to stay at home it was month-end when we usually make mone. We felt like we’re being punished for our poverty,” said Ntando Dube who is a street vendor.
She further said that after registering for food parcels that came after a month it was life changing and she is grateful for that.
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