By Maile Matsimela
Gauteng MEC for Agriculture, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, will host the inaugural “Ending Hunger Symposium” on Tuesday, 8 April.
The symposium will be held at the Nelson Mandela Foundation from 9.30 am.
Under the theme “Food is a Human Right” this landmark event aims to bring together key stakeholders from government, civil society and the private sector together to explore and discuss urgent, actionable interventions in the ongoing fight against hunger.
The MEC’s office says with Gauteng being home to 16.4 million people – accounting for 26% of South Africa’s population – this province stands as both the country’s and the continent’s economic hub. “Yet, despite its economic prominence, hunger remains a persistent challenge.”
A number of leading food insecurity organisations will be participating in the symposium, including:
- SA Harvest
- Food Forward
- Rise Against Hunger
- Union Against Hunger
- Johannesburg Fresh Food Market
- Tshwane Fresh Food Market
- HEALA
- Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity
In November 2025, South Africa will make history by becoming the first African nation to host the G20 World Leaders’ Summit.
“However, it is concerning that one in five South Africans experience food insecurity, with Gauteng facing even higher levels. While hunger has often been viewed as a rural issue, data shows that urban areas are now more likely to face higher rates of hunger than rural regions.”
The symposium will focus on addressing these stark realities and forging new partnerships to ensure food is recognised as a fundamental human right for all.
