Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
31 January 2025 | 18:40 CAT
2 min read

From the soaring prices of groceries and fuel to managing household budgets, it is becoming increasingly challenging for many families to make ends meet. As South Africa grapples with the growing challenge of food affordability, experts like Economic Advisor Suvira Singh urge a shift in mindset and a deeper look at systemic changes.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, Singh suggested that addressing food affordability in South Africa requires a more holistic approach, one that examines the broader infrastructure and societal factors at play. The focus needs to move beyond just immediate relief to long-term sustainability. “We are rich with agriculture. We are rich with a lot of things. But because of other infrastructure pulling us down, it’s going to make this food sustainability and the constant affordability, hard to maintain,” she explained.

According to Singh, the key lies in addressing the root causes of these issues, which go beyond just the food production systems themselves. This multifaceted challenge involves not only agricultural production but also addressing the broader systemic issues that hinder food sustainability. Singh calls for a more inward reflection on the country’s resources, emphasising that South Africa has the potential to provide for its citizens if the right infrastructure and support systems are in place. However, until these foundational challenges are addressed, the country will continue to face volatility in food availability and affordability. “What we can do is hope for the best. Remain positive that in a community, there’s a possibility to mitigate the cost of things. If we just come together just a little bit,” she said.

In her view, this sense of community and local support could be one of the keys to food security. “It takes a village to raise a child,” she said, referencing the popular saying, “It can be extended to the average consumer.”

Singh envisions strengthening local communities where people support each other’s businesses, such as small grocers and local farmers, which could lead to more affordable and sustainable food systems. By turning inward and focusing on local production, communities can counteract the rising cost of living and create more sustainable food networks. “If we need stabilising in some of our basic goods, we do not need to suffer if we just come together,” she insists.

Singh believes the path forward lies in not just changing policies but also fostering a collective sense of responsibility and collaboration within communities. By supporting local agriculture and small businesses, South Africans can reduce the cost of food and build a more resilient system for future generations. She suggests that the spirit of unity that brought South Africa together during the Rugby World Cup should be harnessed to address broader societal challenges, including food insecurity.

While there is no easy fix to the complex issue of food affordability, there is hope that through unity, systemic changes, and local support, South Africa can work towards a more sustainable and affordable food future for all.

LISTEN to the full interview with Muallimah Annisa Essack and Suvira Singh, Economic Advisor, here.