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The MEC for Social Development, the Honourable Ms. Nontobeko Vilakazi, in collaboration with the MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, MEC Mase Manopole successfully hosted the launch of the Northern Cape Integrated Food and Nutrition Security Programme in Kuruman, John Taolo Gaetsewe District under the global theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”.
This collaborative initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods and combat hunger in vulnerable communities across the Province.
The launch, held at the Leisure Time Inn in Kuruman, brought together communities, youth, women, traditional leaders, mining houses, retailers, and various government sectors to collectively address the urgent challenge of hunger and poverty.
According to the General Household Survey (GHS) 2024, the Northern Cape has the lowest proportion of households with adequate access to food in South Africa—only 65.7%. The JTG District, in particular, remains one of the hardest-hit areas, with 73.9% of households living below the food poverty line and an unemployment rate of 58.3%, peaking at 84.2% in Joe Morolong Municipality. These statistics highlight the urgent need for integrated, sustainable interventions to ensure food security and economic empowerment across the province.
In the lead-up to the launch, the Department hosted two significant dialogues as a reminder that solutions must be community-driven and inclusive:
- Youth Dialogue on 13 October 2025 focused on strengthening youth participation in agriculture and food production; and
- Women’s Dialogue on 14 October 2025 centred on empowering women as key agents in household and community food security.
The main launch event on the 15 October 2025 included the following activities:
- A presentation of key food security statistics by Ms PG Saul, Executive Manager: Community Development and Research at the Department of Social Development;
- A summary of the individual interventions by the four state departments aimed at combating food insecurity across the province, delivered by Ms. Lillian Senosi, Director for Agricultural Development Services at the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform; and
- A panel discussion with stakeholders from municipalities, mining houses, the retail and banking sectors, and other social partners on how to support the Northern Cape’s food security initiatives.
In her opening address during the panel discussions, MEC Manopole called on all partners; government, business and the community to work together to end hunger and build resilient food systems that reflect the true potential of the Northern Cape.
The event marked a significant step towards institutionalising the Provincial Integrated Food and Nutrition Security Programme, with commitments to:
- Invest in local food production through financial and non-financial support
- Improve food provision services for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, disabled, and frail beneficiaries; and
- Enhance community profiling and social support through coordinated welfare services.
- Enhancement of public/private partnerships to ensure the proper coordination of all efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty.
MEC for Social Development, Hon. Vilakazi, commended the spirit of partnership that characterised the launch citing that Food security is not only about feeding people today but about restoring dignity, building resilience, and creating pathways for self-sustainability.
Sector departments will now work closely with local municipalities and private partners to roll out the Food and Nutrition Security Plan across all districts. Emphasis will be placed on community-driven initiatives, capacity building, and long-term monitoring of food security outcomes.
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