Drought, Hunger and the Cost of Leadership: Who Pays the Price?
South Africa faces a growing food-security challenge as drought risks, rising living costs, corruption and inequality put pressure on millions of households.
One in seven South Africans is reportedly going hungry. Behind this figure are families struggling to afford basic meals, parents sacrificing their own food for their children and pensioners forced to choose between groceries, electricity and medication.
Now, the threat of El Niño and possible drought conditions could make an already difficult situation worse. Farmers face the possibility of reduced harvests, declining grazing and water shortages, while consumers may have to pay even more for essential food.
Yet the question goes beyond weather conditions. South Africa must also confront how public money is spent, how leaders are held accountable and why so many people continue to struggle while others enjoy considerable financial rewards and comfortable lifestyles.
When hunger and privilege exist side by side
South African farmers carry enormous responsibilities. They invest in land, machinery, seed, fertiliser, fuel, labour and water without any guarantee of a successful season. Drought, disease and rising production costs can threaten years of investment.
Consumers face a different struggle. Food prices, transport costs and household expenses consume an increasing share of limited incomes. For unemployed families and low-income earners, even affordable basic foods can become difficult to obtain.
Against this background, generous executive salaries, expensive benefits and reports of wasteful public expenditure raise legitimate questions about priorities. Skilled leaders deserve fair remuneration, but high salaries should be accompanied by measurable performance, transparency and accountability.
Public office is a responsibility to serve the country, not merely an opportunity to enjoy privileges. Citizens have every right to ask whether public spending delivers better services, stronger infrastructure and improved living conditions.
Global food security monitoring goes dark
Corruption comes at a cost
Corruption is not an abstract political issue. When public funds are lost through fraud, dishonest procurement or the misuse of resources, opportunities to improve communities are lost as well.
Money that should contribute to reliable water supplies, agricultural support, rural roads, schools and food-security programmes cannot serve those purposes if it is wasted or stolen.
Allegations must be investigated fairly, and wrongdoing must be established through proper processes. Where corruption is proven, consequences should follow regardless of a person's position or influence.
The same principle applies to excessive expenditure. Every department and public institution should demonstrate that its spending serves a genuine purpose and provides value to taxpayers.
El Niño and the threat to food production
El Niño develops when surface waters in parts of the tropical Pacific Ocean become warmer than normal, influencing weather patterns worldwide. In Southern Africa, it is often associated with below-average summer rainfall and higher temperatures, although conditions differ between regions.
For South African farmers, insufficient rainfall at planting time or during critical crop-growth stages can reduce maize, sunflower and soybean yields. Livestock farmers may face declining grazing, limited water and rising feed expenses.
A poor harvest can place pressure on supplies and prices, making food even less affordable for vulnerable households. The effects can extend throughout the economy, from farming businesses and agricultural workers to transport companies and food retailers.
Preparation is therefore essential. Water conservation, appropriate planting decisions, drought-tolerant cultivars, responsible grazing management and reliable weather information can help farmers manage risks. Government support must be practical, transparent and delivered when it is needed.
Leadership must be measured by results
Statistics South Africa reported that 19.7% of households experienced moderate to severe food insecurity in 2023, while 8% experienced severe food insecurity. These figures measure households rather than individuals, but they underline the seriousness of the challenge.
South Africa needs stronger financial discipline, effective public services and policies that support productive agriculture. It must also ensure that assistance reaches people facing genuine hardship.
The measure of leadership should not be the size of a salary, the comfort of an official residence or the privileges attached to a position. It should be the results achieved for the country and its people.
South Africa cannot control the weather, but it can demand responsible leadership. When hunger threatens families and drought threatens farmers, public money must be protected, corruption confronted and resources directed towards meaningful solutions.
A country that can produce food must strive to ensure that its people can afford to eat. That is not an unreasonable demand. It is a basic expectation of responsible government and a fair society.
