The Union Against Hunger (UAH) and the Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA), together with leading civil
society organisations (Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI), Abahlali baseMjondolo, Treatment Action
Campaign (TAC), and Amandla.mobi) and labour (South African Federation of Trade Unions & the Food and
Allied Workers Union) leaders, invite the media to an important media briefing on 26 May 2026 @11am at
the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg.
This briefing will announce major actions for Food Justice Week (25-30 May) including the World Hunger
Day Campaign (28 May).
South Africa faces a deepening hunger and nutrition crisis.
Food prices are soaring, driven by profiteering retailers like Shoprite and Boxer, while millions of unemployed and low-income households cannot afford a nutritious diet. Internationally rising prices of fuel and fertiliser because of illegal imperialist wars in Ukraine and Iran are adding to hardship. At the same time social grants remain far below the food poverty line, condemning families to hunger and indignity.
Hunger is not accidental – it is political, structural, and a crime against our people.
At the briefing the UAH will provide details about our campaigns to ensure sufficient food for everyone. This
will include:
● New details about the “hunger-mongers” campaign targeting #Shoprite that will be stepped up
next week.
● Information about pickets, protests, dialogues and solidarity with community food kitchens to
demand action from government on food prices and availability.
Media Briefing Details:
Date: 26 May 2026
Time: 11:00 am – 12:30pm
Venue: Nelson Mandela Foundation Offices, Houghton, Johannesburg
Key speakers:
Ms Nomzamo Zondo – Executive Director of the Socioeconomic Rights Institute (SERI)
Ms Sibongile Tshabalala – National Chairperson of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC)
Ms Koketso Moeti – Executive Director at Amandla.mobi
Mr Sibusiso Zikode – President of Abahlali baseMjondolo (AbM)
Mr Zwelinzima Vavi – General Secretary of the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU)
Mr Lebohang Phakeng – Head of Campaigns: Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU)
Mr Seth Mazibuko – Seth Mazibuko Foundation, a leader of the 1976 Soweto Uprisings
Mr Mark Heywood – Human rights and social justice activist
We call on journalists, editors, broadcasters, and stakeholders to attend, report, and amplify this urgent
call for Food Justice Now!
About the Union Against Hunger
The Union Against Hunger (UAH) is a coalition committed to advocating for food justice, social protection,
and equitable access to nutritious food for vulnerable communities across South Africa.
About HEALA
Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA) is a public health organisation advocating for healthier food environments
and policies that reduce diet-related disease and improve health outcomes for all South Africans.
Media Enquiries and interviews:
Contact:
Mr Nzama Mbalati
Tel and Whatsapp: 071 359 9738
Email: [email protected]
Or
Dr Busiso Moyo
Tel and Whatsapp : 071 319 4538
Email : [email protected]
Ends.