By Pelane Phakgadi, Tebogo Mabidilala and Machaka Maphari
MEC Kekana greets Pule Shayi, the Executive Mayor of Mopani before commencement of the briefing session for Provincial World Food Day. Jonathan Mpe, Chief of Staff from MEC’s Office looks on. (middle)
Two-hundred beneficiaries from vulnerable households of Selwana community and surrounding villages receive food parcels as part of commemorating World Food Month in Ba-Phalaborwa, on 29 October 2024.
MEC of Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) Me Nakedi Kekana led the launch of the annual Provincial World Food Day and Food Security Survey.
Speaking during the launch, MEC Kekana said, “Today’s event marks the launch of the Food and Nutrition Security Survey, conducted in collaboration with the Human Science Research Council (HSRC). This survey provides us with valuable insights into the state of food security in Limpopo and helps us understand how best to address specific community needs. The data collected from this survey will be instrumental in shaping our food security policies and initiatives, allowing us to direct resources to the areas and households most in need.
In Mopani District, the survey found that only 20% of households involved in mopane worm harvesting are food secure, highlighting the need for expanded food access initiatives”.
She continued that, “the journey towards a food-secure Limpopo and South Africa requires more than just a policy – it requires the active involvement of each of us. We must unite to empower our farmers, protect our natural resources, and create environments where every household could meet its food needs sustainably”.
MEC explained that Programs like Fetsa Tlala, Ilima Letsema, and Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) are designed to stimulate food production, enhance local food systems, and increase rural household incomes. “Through these efforts, we aim to empower our communities to produce food and make significant strides toward poverty alleviation and food security”. She urged community to take advantage of these programs to increase food production.
