The report was brought to light during a briefing on Thursday by the national Department of Social Development and the provincial departments with regard to the food distribution and various other programmes put in place in response to the coronavirus emergency. 

Committee chairman Mondli Gungubele declared in a statement on Friday that the coronavirus poses a threat to food security and that many people will be adversely affected by this. 

"The need to feed our people came out very strong in today's meeting. If we are supposed to feed 14 million people and we are only able to feed just over five million, then it is a serious problem," said Gungubele.

It was also discovered that the demand for food in South Africa is far greater than the supply. 

According to Gungubele, food insecurity among the vulnerable population of South Africa is one of the gravest concerns.

The chairman pleaded with the department to ensure that these vulnerable people have access to food.

"It is also important as a committee that we must express a strong appreciation to members of civil society who made contributions to feeding our nation, whether through donations or volunteering," added the chairman. 

In relation to Gungubele's appeal, KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Ravi Pillay expressed confidence in the "One Home One Garden" project and its ability to uplift these vulnerable communities. 

According to Pillay, this programme forms part of the provincial government’s support to the vulnerable.

"There is a big basket of citizens who are declared vulnerable and that is why we have all the relief, such as the top-off on the grants, the special grants and the food relief programmes. But over and above that, linking the relief with economic activity is this type of 'One Home One Garden' programme," said Pillay in a statement on Tuesday.

"This garden will not only feed this family. Handled properly, they could generate a surplus to sell to neighbours; and if it is replicated many times over, then the cumulative effect of it will be significant."

African News Agency