Deputy Minister of Social Development, Hon. Ganief Hendricks hosted an inaugural stakeholder engagement on food security, poverty alleviation and sustainable livelihoods in the province of KwaZulu Natal on the 9th of January 2025.
The engagement brought together key stakeholders from all three spheres of government—including local Councillors, the Provincial Head of Department (HOD) Ms. Vilakazi, representatives from the National Department, business leaders, and members of the public—was aimed at informing the community about the role of the department’s directorate and the ways it can assist those it serves.
In his address, the Honourable Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of food security, underscoring the goal that no child should ever go to bed hungry. He further stressed the necessity for stakeholders to work together, not just to alleviate poverty, but to completely eradicate it—especially food poverty. He highlighted the critical role that community-based initiatives and collaborative efforts play in ensuring the success of these objectives.
Both the KZN HOD, Ms. Vilakazi, and national officials in attendance pledged their unwavering commitment to the visions outlined by the Deputy Minister. Their commitment reinforces the shared determination to fight food insecurity, poverty, and to support sustainable livelihoods across the country.
The engagement concluded with an in-loco inspection of a farming blueprint in Hardingdale, Msunduzi. This blueprint, which showcases a successful model for food security, poverty eradication, and sustainable livelihoods, is being presented as a model that other communities can adopt and replicate for their benefit.
The event was an important step in fostering collaboration between government, business, and communities to ensure that South Africa’s food security and poverty eradication goals are met effectively.
