The National Investigative Hearing emanates from complaints received, and monitoring work which highlighted a greater challenge of lack of access to adequate food.  Section 27(1)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa which states that, everyone has the right to have access to sufficient food, yet millions of people go to bed hungry every night, children continue to suffer from stunting and malnutrition, and in the most severe cases, lives are lost due to preventable hunger. South Africa is a country with abundant food resources and the capacity to feed its entire population.

In fulfilment of its constitutional mandate, the Commission has resorted to conducting a National Investigative Hearing to address this systemic challenge.

The Commission has received submissions from members of the public, Government, institutions and civil society organisations. Relevant Government Departments led by respective Ministers and other role players will respond on measures being undertaken to ensure that the Right to Food is realised.

The hearing will be held as follows:

• The Dates: 12 – 13 & 16 – 20 March 2026
• Venue: Nelson Mandela Foundation, Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory
• Address: 107 Central Street, Houghton, Johannesburg
• Times: 08:00 daily

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission