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In response to South Africa’s escalating hunger crisis, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has taken an active role in not only critiquing the government but also proffering constructive solutions to alleviate the suffering of its people. Amid skepticism regarding the sincerity of the DA’s efforts, Party Leader John Steenhuisen responded emphatically to address doubts about their commitment.
These proposed solutions, formulated in collaboration with civil society experts in 2023, are designed to address the underlying causes of the crisis. With surging food prices influenced by global events, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the DA urged government intervention. In June 2022, food price inflation hit 8.6%, significantly burdening low-income households already grappling with economic challenges compounded by mismanagement, riots, floods, and stringent lockdown regulations.
Contrary to claims of engaging in “bandwagon politics,” the DA had outlined its solutions during a press conference on September 8, 2022. The Party advocated for a review of zero-rated food items, proposing the inclusion of bone-in chicken, tinned beans, peanut butter, and baby food. These additions were based on expert analysis of low-income household food expenditure data, aiming to offer affordable and nutritious options for vulnerable South Africans.
The DA also recommended reviewing import tariffs on specific food items, aligning with advice from international trade experts. This move aimed to lessen the impact on the poorest households, consistent with the DA’s enduring stance on lifting tariffs on imported chicken. Recent actions by Minister Ebrahim Patel, abolishing tariffs on chicken products during the avian flu outbreak, validated the potential positive outcomes of such policy positions.
Additionally, the DA stressed the need for reductions in fuel prices and advocated for an increase in the child support grant to meet the food poverty line. These measures, alongside broader economic reforms, target addressing hunger, poverty, unemployment, and dwindling tax revenues.
John Steenhuisen challenged Tim Cohen to an open, in-person debate on “genuine” solutions to the hunger crisis, highlighting the gravity of the situation. The article concludes by asserting that as the official opposition, the DA has a constitutional obligation to critique the government’s failures and advocate for change.
Amidst a nation facing hunger, the DA’s solutions offer a roadmap for immediate relief and sustainable economic growth. Addressing hunger demands not only criticism but constructive proposals, and the DA endeavors to lead this critical fight for a better South Africa.