The initiative, organised as part of a food justice week campaign, involves threats of protests, boycotts, and legal actions directed at big retail groups. They’re criticised for making profits amidst widespread public financial distress.

Labour union leader Zwelinzima Vavi said an average food basket now costs more than R5,400 per month, while a basic nutritious basket requires around R6,600 a month, highlighting a gap between average worker income and basic survival needs.

Organisers of the movement said while agricultural production in the country remains high, a significant portion of the population lacks the financial means to secure sufficient daily nutrition. “Households do not live on food alone. Transport, hygiene products and basic necessities are pushing people deeper into debt,” said Amandla director Mobi.

The campaigning unions argue that although workers produce the primary wealth of the nation, they continue to live in deep poverty, transforming the current cost-of-living crisis into a national political emergency.

Activists argued government social grants do not cover the widening gap between low wages and food inflation. Photo: Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA)

They have formalised a set of demands sent to government authorities, which includes the immediate drafting of an urgent national food plan, the establishment of a centralised national food council, and clear legal accountability mechanisms for instances of child mortality linked directly to severe malnutrition.

“We do not analyse hunger from boardrooms but from factories, taxi ranks, mine shafts, and working homes. Workers are telling us that even with the jobs, they cannot survive,” said Vavi.

Representatives from the participating unions added workers continue to face poverty despite their role in producing national wealth, creating a situation where daily nutrition has transitioned from a social welfare topic into a prominent political issue.

Retailers and government departments faced increasing pressure to address these structural economic challenges as scheduled demonstrations and customer boycotts approach.

Furthermore, the mobilisation strategies included legal pressure and community organisation to challenge corporate pricing models directly.

Activists argued government social grants fail to cover the widening gap between low wages and food inflation, meaning immediate policy interventions are required to stop the rising numbers of child hospitalisations due to severe hunger.

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