On World Food Day, the South African(SA) non-governmental organisation Union Against Hunger held a demonstration outside Shoprite’s Centurion branch in Gauteng, demanding lower food prices to support low-income communities.
Backed by other civil society groups, the organisation called on the retail giant to make essential food items more affordable, highlighting the strain high prices place on households already grappling with economic hardship.
Esther Padi, National Organiser of Union Against Hunger, pointed out that SA does not face a shortage of food, but rather an issue of accessibility.
“We are asking Shoprite to lower prices because food is unnecessarily expensive,” Padi said. “The country has plenty of food, yet some retailers are earning millions in profit daily while communities struggle with high unemployment.”
The organisation is advocating specifically for price reductions on ten key staples, including maize meal, milk, and eggs, citing their importance for nutrition and daily survival.
The demonstration coincided with World Food Day, a global event dedicated to raising awareness about food security and the need for accessible, sustainable nutrition for all.
–ChannelAfrica–
