Russian War and load shedding a threat to SA food security
20 February 2023
Note to editors: Please find attached soundbite by Noko Masipa MP
On 15 February 2023, Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) released the consumer food price inflation (CPI) figures that show the price of stable food such as bread and cereals, meat, fish, fruit, and vegetables increased notably and become unaffordable for South Africans.
These price increases are primarily the results of loadshedding. The ANC government does not seem to have a plan to stop agriculture from being adversely affected. Despite several calls by the DA for a specifically targeted plan to reduce the negative effects of load shedding, there is still no plan from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALARRD) Minister Thoko Didiza and Eskom management.
In the last twelve months, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has also played a role in food price increases; and this has resulted in prices of fertilizers shooting through the roof. All these have placed South Africa on the verge of doubling the challenges of the inability to produce food affordably and purchase of available food due to rising unemployment. This will ultimately result in a triple burden of malnutrition which includes undernourishment, micronutrient deficiencies and obesity.