Food insecurity in South Africa continues to affect pregnant women, civil-society organisations told the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) at its national Hunger Hearings last month. The MSG Advocacy Coalition highlighted that government support for maternal nutrition remains limited, leaving expectant mothers without adequate food during pregnancy.
“South Africa produces enough food nationally, but many pregnant women cannot afford adequate nutrition,” the coalition said.
Data presented at the hearings showed that 63,5% of households in South Africa experience food insecurity, with 17,5% facing severe conditions. Poor maternal nutrition contributes to underweight babies, stunted growth, and chronic malnutrition. Currently, 13% of newborns are underweight, 28,8% of children under five are stunted, and 32% of children under two show signs of chronic malnutrition.
Impact on maternal mental health
The coalition also highlighted that food insecurity affects maternal mental health. Women experiencing hunger are more likely to have depressive episodes, which can reduce prenatal care and early caregiving. Research from UNICEF and WHO supports these findings.
Proposed maternal support grant
As a solution, the MSG Advocacy Coalition proposed a Maternal Support Grant (MSG), providing R560 per month from the second trimester until three months after birth. Estimated at R2 billion annually, the grant was reportedly rejected by Cabinet in 2024. Health economists say that each rand spent could save R7 in future health-care costs.
Currently, South Africa’s social relief of distress grant excludes applicants with more than R624 in their bank accounts, and the child-support grant only starts after birth, leaving pregnant women without income support during a critical period.
The MSG would target self-employed women, domestic workers, and female-headed households earning under R5,600 a month. Evidence from local pilot programmes and the COVID-19 CoCare voucher scheme showed that income support during pregnancy improves nutrition, mental health, and birth outcomes.
The SAHRC will use this evidence in its ongoing investigation into food insecurity in South Africa.
