Ms Nosisa Zaca, a PhD research trainee in the Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) Division, participated as a guest speaker at the ‘Speak to a Scientist’ event on 24 October 2024. The event was organised and hosted by the SCI-BONO Discovery Centre in Johannesburg. Nosisa delivered a presentation on ‘Understanding Food Security: Challenges and Solutions’. The presentation addressed key topics, including the definition of food security, a six-pillar food security framework, the significance of achieving food security, and the current status of food security in the world, Africa, and South Africa.

The event was attended by high school learners eager to explore Food Science and Food Security. During the discussion session, it was emphasised that urgent actions need to be taken to address food safety-related issues in South Africa, particularly due to the increasing number of children who fall ill or die due to food poisoning linked to contaminated food purchased from local spaza shops (informal grocery stores). To address this challenge, there is an urgent need for stricter enforcement of food safety regulations and inspections, especially in areas where these informal shops operate with minimal oversight.

The event was also attended by educators who are dedicated and passionate about guiding the next generation of scientists. The event reached an even wider audience, with attendees from numerous African countries joining virtually, extending the conversation beyond the physical venue.

Watch the presentation below

View the HSRC’s latest research outputs related to food security here.