Cabinet Strengthens Food Security and Disaster Management Efforts

The South African government has intensified its focus on food security and disaster management, as highlighted by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni during a media briefing on Thursday. The government has formed two special task forces to tackle growing concerns in these critical sectors.

Government’s Commitment to Food Security

Ntshavheni emphasized that the government is working towards a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable food system, with key policies aimed at:

• Reducing trade barriers
• Boosting food production funding
• Mitigating climate change effects on food supply chains

The first Food Security Task Force meeting, held on March 5, 2025, explored solutions to empower youth and women in agriculture, foster innovation, and enhance climate resilience.

Ntshavheni pointed to a 17.2% growth in the agricultural sector, stating that this, along with growth in finance and trade, lays a foundation for long-term food security.

Disaster Management: A National Priority

The government also convened the first Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group Meeting to strengthen early warning systems and implement the UN Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030).

The meeting’s priorities included:

• Expanding early warning system coverage
• Strengthening disaster-resilient infrastructure
• Increasing financing for disaster risk reduction
• Enhancing ecosystem-based approaches to disaster management

Ntshavheni reaffirmed that South Africa remains committed to global cooperation in disaster resilience, emphasizing the importance of preventative action to minimize future risks.

Water Indaba: Addressing Water Security

In addition to food and disaster resilience efforts, the government is preparing for the upcoming Water Indaba, which will assess:

• Progress on water security since the 2024 Water Summit
• Challenges in access to clean water and sanitation
• New action plans for water resource management

“Cabinet acknowledges the water security challenges facing the country and reaffirms its commitment to ensuring every South African has access to clean, safe, and sustainable water,” Ntshavheni stated.

Engaging Global Partners

South Africa is also ramping up international engagement to secure support for its economic and trade policies. Ntshavheni reassured citizens that the government is engaging with major global capitals, including the EU and the US, to navigate trade and economic cooperation.

She dismissed concerns raised by AfriForum and the Democratic Alliance over South Africans seeking relocation to the US, urging calm in diplomatic relations.

With food security, disaster management, and water security now at the forefront of policy discussions, South Africa is positioning itself for long-term resilience. As government task forces roll out strategic plans, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these measures translate into tangible results.

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