Media statement 16 October 2023
Cllr Ziyanda Zwane
MMC for Environment and Agriculture Management
World Food Day is commemorated around the world annually on 16 October in remembrance of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945 as an organisation that deals with global food and agricultural issues. In South Africa, we also commemorate World Food Day to promote awareness of hunger and action for the future of food, people, and planet.
This year, World Food Day will focus on the theme Water is Life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind. The significance of the theme is to highlight the critical role of water for life on earth and as the real foundation of our food. It also seeks to raise global awareness of the importance of managing water sparingly as rapid population growth, economic development, urbanisation and climate change threaten water availability.
As clearly articulated in the theme, water is critical to life on earth. It covers most of the earth’s surface, makes up over 50% of our bodies, produces our food and supports livelihoods. However, this precious natural resource is not infinite and we need to stop taking it for granted, and use it responsibly and intelligently.
The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with climate change, has exacerbated sharp increases in food prices and fuel, further increasing poverty and high unemployment rates in the country. Tshwane has not been spared as many households are now more food insecure. Food insecurity is largely prevalent within Tshwane because of the lack of livelihood assets that people can use and replicate to sustain themselves.
As part of celebrating World Food Day and making everyday count, we take stock of what we have done and will continue to do to reinforce food security in Tshwane. In partnership with different stakeholders, we have developed food gardens, commercialised Boer goat production, provided training and capacity-building to farmers, rendered extension services, facilitated access to land as part of land reform, and supported farmers with mechanisation for land tilling and food production.
In collaboration with key stakeholders in the agriculture industry, we will continue to commemorate the essence of World Food Day by supporting agricultural initiatives aimed at contributing to this year’s theme. These include piloting hemp production and investigating the use of effluent water for agricultural use, among others.
Enquiries: Dr Pimelo Ngidi (pimelon@tshwane.gov.za)