Food inflation in SA is out of control. And the millions of SASSA grant recipients who must make do with a few thousand rand per month will tell you the same. Which is why President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for regular reviews of food inflation in SA to help stave off food insecurity and poverty.
The president spoke last week at the Seventh Social Justice Summit at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Giving the keynote address, Ramaphosa suggested retailers had a role to plan in combatting food inflation in SA. The president declared food a ‘universal right,’ and challenged supermarket chains to place humanity before profit.
RISING FOOD INFLATION IN SA
President Ramaphosa also praised supermarket supply chains and logistics. “When you look at the architecture of food distribution on the African continent, these companies second to none. However, they are also making billions in profits. And if we are talking about food security, we want to call on them to look at the prices they charge,” insisted the president.
“We want to call on retailers to alleviate food inflation in SA and to look at the high margins they charge. They are the ones that drive up the food prices. And ultimately, they are the ones that can take action to reduce food poverty. This can be done through the equitable distribution of wealth, opportunities and resources,” Ramaphosa said.
WORSENING FOOD SECURITY
Moreover, StatsSA’s most recent food security report paints a grim picture for food inflation in SA. Food insecurity has increased from 15.8% in 2019 to 19.7% in 2023. In turn, the president suggested that ‘expanding the social welfare net and regular reviews of indigent policies’ could help put money back into the pockets of the poor.
“It’s important for us to embrace the principle of food being an irrevocable human right. And one that should never be diluted and a human right that is irrevocable,” concluded Ramaphosa.
What do you think? Is food inflation in SA out of control, or should government focus on creating more employment opportunities?
