Durban — A coalition of health advocates led by the Healthy Living Alliance (Heala) has called for discussions around hunger.

These interconnected issues have drawn the spotlight in a recent webinar hosted by Heala, which seeks to leverage evidence-based policies to tackle these pressing concerns. The webinar highlighted a broken food system that has led to alarming levels of hunger, food insecurity, and obesity.

With a growing recognition of the impact of poor nutrition on public health, stakeholders are calling for collaborative efforts to reform the nation’s food policies in a bid to secure a healthier future for all South Africans.

On the website, Heala, provided key to this urgent reform is the call from Heala to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and his deputies, Maqhabane Masondo and Ashor Sarupen, to raise and expand the Health Promotion Levy, commonly known as the sugary drinks tax. This levy is not just a fiscal tool; it serves as a critical component in addressing both child hunger and the rising tide of non-communicable diseases linked to poor dietary habits.

The Child Support Grant, a vital safety net for many families, has not kept pace with soaring food prices. Millions of children and families are facing hunger, increasing the need for innovative funding strategies.

Heala argues that increasing the sugary drinks tax would create a dual benefit: it would raise necessary funds to boost the Child Support Grant to the Food Poverty Line, while simultaneously discouraging hazardous sugary drink consumption that has contributed to the national health crisis.

Heala also highlighted the urgency of this plea is heightened by the recent activities of big business interests that are lobbying against the sugary drinks tax, aimed not at safeguarding public health, but at preserving profit margins.

The Consumer Goods Council of South Africa has publicly sought meetings with the newly appointed government, echoing familiar claims that such levies may result in job losses. However, research from the South African Medical Research Council/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science (Priceless SA) dismisses these assertions, finding no evidence that the Health Promotion Levy has led to significant employment declines.

Also leading the fight, SA Harvest invited all South Africans to make a donation towards combating hunger in South Africa. Launched on December 3, SA Harvest’s offered a digital platform where everyone can make a donation to help fill SA Harvest's Virtual Food Pantry, translating directly into nutritious meals for families in need.

With a goal to deliver 300 000 meals by raising R270 000, the campaign showcased how every contribution, no matter the size, makes a tangible impact. For example, R20 feeds a family of four for two days, while R1 000 provides three months of nutritious meals.

“This is a call to action for South Africans to unite and address the urgent issue of hunger,” said Alan Browde, CEO of SA Harvest.

The petition currently sits on 677 signed petitions on the Heala website.

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Calls for action as hunger and health crises grow