To address food shortage, activists call on govt to compel farm owners to share unused land with workers
READ: 'We are slaves on the farms': Women farmworkers want a seat on the table "It really boggles the mind that there is such a lot of land unused, but at the same time, the workers on those farms would love to have access to land so that they can grow their own vegetables."Solomons added that there was little transformation in the commercial agriculture sector, especially in the Western Cape."If you go to Stellenbosch today, if you go to Paarl today, the land is still in the hands of white male farmers."
She said the people who continued to work the land were still poor black workers.
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Daily Maverick
20-07-2025
- Daily Maverick
The human cost of the food on our plate and wine in our glass
Last week, I was working in the Western Cape, specifically speaking to farmworkers in rural areas just outside Cape Town. For the first part of the week the discussions centred on working conditions on farms and food insecurity. For the rest of the week I participated in discussions at the Food Indaba that again highlighted the issue of food insecurity, with a specific focus on food waste. In a country where one in four homes is food insecure, there is food waste of more than 10 million tonnes – a staggering figure, especially considering our hunger crisis. As I visited the farmworkers, who graciously allowed my colleague and me into their modest homes, I couldn't help but admire their bravery and willingness to speak out despite possible retaliation from the farmers on whom they depend for their meagre incomes. In fact, a particular moment of tension took us all aback, but it was a further indicator of the urgency of the required intervention. We witnessed one of the women, whom I'll call Janet to protect her identity, being intimidated by an angry farmer because she was speaking to us. The farmer, having seen us arrive, shouted angrily, demanding to know who we were, and proceeded to shout at and threaten Janet in her home. Once he realised he couldn't do much about the situation short of physically muzzling her, he stormed off angrily, muttering to himself. You see, what Janet was telling us about was their deplorable working conditions. She told us that she only had seasonal work, which could sometimes end up being only two to three months out of the year. She said in a 'good month' she could make R4,800. Although Janet's husband was considered to have more of a steady income than her, as well as a contract, he made a similar amount. However, in the rainy season, if, for example, it rained for a week and no work could take place, he would not get paid for that week. This, Janet said, meant it was quite difficult to put food on the table consistently for her family of five. Another alarming practice that Janet told us about was the use of harmful pesticides on the farm, with workers receiving no personal protective equipment to shield them. She described being out in the field working with other farmworkers and having pesticides being sprayed on both them and the produce as they worked. Besides being completely shocked, I also felt angry at the inhumane treatment that vulnerable communities like this face in our food system. It really drove home the point that the Constitution, and all it promises, often fails to reach those who need it most. And this places a responsibility on those of us with social capital and proximity to power to ask harder questions: how exactly does the food we eat every day – and the wine we enjoy – get to our plates? DM
Eyewitness News
28-05-2025
- Eyewitness News
To address food shortage, activists call on govt to compel farm owners to share unused land with workers
CAPE TOWN - Community activists at the Food Indaba in Cape Town have called on government to compel farm owners to share unused land with workers to address food shortages in the Union Against Hunger held a mini indaba for World Hunger Day on Wednesday to support communities in asserting their right to union said that despite constitutional rights to food and nutrition, 15 million people go hungry in South on Farms activist, Colette Solomons, called for the redistribution of productive farmland, specifically to women seasonal farmers and poor communities. READ: 'We are slaves on the farms': Women farmworkers want a seat on the table "It really boggles the mind that there is such a lot of land unused, but at the same time, the workers on those farms would love to have access to land so that they can grow their own vegetables."Solomons added that there was little transformation in the commercial agriculture sector, especially in the Western Cape."If you go to Stellenbosch today, if you go to Paarl today, the land is still in the hands of white male farmers." She said the people who continued to work the land were still poor black workers.
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- The Citizen
Food drive to commemorate World Hunger Day
Gearing up for World Hunger Day on 28 May, NPO Walk in Faith is rallying the community, schools and businesses to lend a hand to help raise awareness about the plight of many – the daily struggle for food. As an organisation that assists the vulnerable and needy with food hampers and school lunch packs, Walk in Faith calls on everyone to come together and make a contribution of non-perishable items for redistribution to those in need. Founder Merinda Ackerman said this is not just another day on the calendar, but a chance for Zululanders to come together and make a real difference. Arboretum Primary School has heeded the call, handing over a massive haul of foodstuffs collected by the school last week. 'World Hunger Day is an annual day focused on raising awareness and encouraging action to end world hunger. And this is a reminder that millions of people globally struggle with food insecurity and malnutrition,' said Ackerman. 'Imagine if every step we took, every smile we shared, and every little donation we made added up to a future where no one had to worry about their next meal. Walk in Faith is all about believing in the power of community. 'It is about knowing that you and I together can transform hunger into hope. 'Whether you're donating, volunteering, or simply sharing our message, every act of kindness is a stride towards change, and often the smallest gestures spark the biggest ripples. 'This month, let us lace up our sneakers, open our hearts, and walk this journey side-by-side to join this challenge and create a world where compassion triumphs over hunger.' If you would like to make a donation of food, contact 081 5382331. Deliveries can be made to 38 Raphia Palm, Arboretum, Richards Bay. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
