Elderly women from deep rural communities in northern KwaZulu-Natal say they will remain forever grateful after receiving food parcels that helped them get through the festive season with dignity.

The women were among hundreds of vulnerable residents who benefitted from a food distribution drive led through the Mike Mabuyakhulu Foundation, which distributed 800 food parcels to households facing severe hardship.

Among the recipients were Nanile Gumede from Haliya Village, Bajabulile Shangase from Gumbi Village and Manesi Ntombi Menyuka from Othobothini in Jozini, an area where unemployment and poverty continue to affect many families.

They said the festive season would have been marked by hunger if the intervention had not arrived when it did.

Gumede said her household is stretched by unemployment and dependency on social grants.

“I’m staying with five unemployed kids of mine and thirteen grandkids. No one is employed and we rely more on social grants. When I was informed that I was nominated to be part of the recipients, I was excited because I knew we were going to enjoy December holidays like any other families,” she said.

Shangase described the moment she was called forward as overwhelming.

“I was over the moon when I was mentioned to come forward and received. The joy I had, I even wished to throw away my walking stick but I was going to fall down,” she said.

Menyuka said the support is vital in communities where many older women are widowed and unemployed.

“I’m grateful to the Mike Mabuyakhulu Foundation for what they are doing for the people of Jozini. I wish him nothing but more heart to give because he knows that most people here are widows and are unemployed,” she said.

Ward 8 Branch Task Team Coordinator Mandisa Shabangu said the initiative strengthened local efforts to support the elderly and address youth unemployment.

“We are very grateful to be part of this initiative and we continue working together, especially since we want to work with them in assisting the youth to be empowered education-wise and get jobs. We are very grateful and we wish to do more come December 2026,” she said.

Community leaders say the need for food support remains urgent as many households continue to rely on grants, informal work and seasonal support, especially during school holidays when costs rise.

The foundation has indicated that its outreach focuses on food security and community support in vulnerable areas, with local partners calling for continued collaboration beyond festive seasons.

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In his weekly From the Desk of the President letter on Monday, 20 October 2025, Ramaphosa reflected on discussions held at the 7th Social Justice Summit hosted by Stellenbosch University. The summit, he said, was a vital platform where government, policymakers, academics, and civil society explored new strategies to ensure access to affordable, nutritious food for all South Africans.

He noted that food security remains a cornerstone of the Government of National Unity’s mission to tackle poverty and the rising cost of living. “Access to nutritious food directly affects the physical health and development of individuals and societies,” the president wrote, highlighting that nearly 16 million South Africans still struggle to access enough food.

South Africa is one of only 29 countries worldwide where the right to food and water is protected by the Constitution. Successive democratic governments, Ramaphosa said, have invested in policies and programmes aimed at eradicating hunger — including school feeding schemes, social grants, free education, and primary healthcare services.

Among the most impactful initiatives, the National School Nutrition Programme now provides daily meals to more than nine million learners from low-income families. This, the president said, has improved not only nutrition but also school attendance, concentration, and academic performance.

However, he admitted that food insecurity remains widespread, especially in the face of unemployment, slow economic growth, and rising prices. “We must look at market factors that are making the cost of nutritious food increasingly out of reach,” he said.

Recent data from Statistics South Africa shows a steady rise in food inflation, with essentials like meat and vegetables becoming more expensive. While basic food items remain zero-rated for VAT, Ramaphosa stressed the need for fairness and accountability in food markets.

He pointed to the Competition Commission’s ongoing efforts to curb anti-competitive practices in the food industry — including investigations into price-fixing and monopolistic behaviour among producers and retailers.

The president also urged private sector participation, calling on South Africa’s largest retailers — the “Big Five” — to play a bigger role in keeping nutritious food affordable. He commended efforts like the Shoprite Group’s R5 product line, which helps lower-income families access basic necessities.

Ramaphosa praised the Musa Plan, developed by the Centre for Social Justice, as a promising initiative that combines research and collaboration to combat food poverty.

“Ultimately, the success of all efforts will rely on deeper collaboration between government, business, labour and civil society,” he concluded. “The true test of our democracy lies in ensuring that no person goes hungry.”

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Anger erupted on Thursday as hundreds of mostly young people defied a ban on public gatherings, demanding better electricity and water supply. Roads were barricaded with burning tyres and stones, forcing police to fire rubber bullets and tear gas in response.

By afternoon, shops, banks, and appliance stores were looted, while several stations of the city’s new cable car system were set ablaze. Homes of politicians close to President Andry Rajoelina were also attacked.

Hospitals confirmed that at least five people lost their lives during the unrest, which has become one of the biggest tests for the president in recent years. Security forces claim opportunists are exploiting the protests to destroy property, while some lawmakers describe the movement as politically motivated.

Despite being rich in natural resources, Madagascar remains among the poorest nations in the world, with three-quarters of its population living below the poverty line. Long power cuts, sometimes lasting more than 12 hours, continue to disrupt daily life for homes and businesses.

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A government commission of inquiry has since revealed that the tragedy was not just the result of one man’s actions, but of a much deeper problem—Johannesburg’s chronic housing crisis. According to the findings, extreme poverty and a severe shortage of affordable homes left vulnerable families living in unsafe, overcrowded buildings with little to no fire protection.

The commission inspected more than 100 inner-city properties and found that nearly 80% had serious fire-safety risks, while most lacked running water, electricity, or waste removal. Makeshift partitions of wood and fabric, blocked fire escapes, and no firefighting equipment turned these buildings into deadly traps.

The popular belief that “hijacked buildings” were the main issue was also challenged. In reality, only about 5% of the properties showed signs of rent being illegally collected by non-owners. The bigger problem, investigators concluded, was the absence of basic services and the city’s failure to prioritize housing for the poor.

One man is currently on trial for allegedly starting the blaze, but survivors and activists insist the deeper issue lies in decades of government neglect. They argue that unless Johannesburg invests in affordable housing and provides proper services like electricity, water, and sanitation, more lives will be at risk.

The commission recommended urgent reforms: a plan to expand social housing, faster processes for relocation, and less red tape for developers willing to build safe, low-cost homes. But survivors—still living in temporary shelters two years later—say promises mean little without real action.

For many families who lost loved ones in the Usindiso fire, the wait for dignity and safety continues.

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Initiated by President Cyril Ramaphosa as part of the Government of National Unity, the dialogue seeks to reflect on 30 years of democracy, identify the country’s most pressing challenges, and chart a path toward a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Despite planning hurdles—including reported divisions within the task team and concerns over the R700 million price tag—the Convention Organising Committee has confirmed that all is ready for the event.

President Ramaphosa will deliver the opening address today at the convention, which will conclude tomorrow.

First Convention Of The National Dialogue Day 2

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Initiated by President Cyril Ramaphosa as part of the Government of National Unity, the dialogue seeks to reflect on 30 years of democracy, identify the country’s most pressing challenges, and chart a path toward a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Despite planning hurdles—including reported divisions within the task team and concerns over the R700 million price tag—the Convention Organising Committee has confirmed that all is ready for the event.

President Ramaphosa will deliver the opening address today at the convention, which will conclude tomorrow.

South Africa starts a soul-searching ‘national dialogue’ about poverty, inequality and other issues

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