Alan Brodie, founder of SA Harvest and co-founder of the Union Against Hunger, is focused on tackling South Africa’s food crisis.
The country wastes 10 million tonnes of edible food every year – enough to provide 40 billion meals.
“If we could redirect even half of this, we could feed 20 million food-vulnerable South Africans for two years,” Brodie says, highlighting the immense potential of collective action.
He stresses that change requires collaboration across the food value chain from farmers to retailers and government involvement. Brodie proposes legislation to curb food waste, with tax incentives for companies that meet targets and penalties for those that don’t.
Without intervention, small and local farmers struggle, while many families rely on expensive, low-nutrition food, leading to stunting in 29 percent of children under five, and rising obesity and diabetes.
Faith leaders are calling for a moral response to the ongoing food wastage at a time where hunger is growing.
Sheikh Issa Mwamba, Amir of Masjid Al-Falah in Hillbrow, emphasises that wasting food is strictly prohibited in Islam.
“Allah prohibits people from squandering food,” he explains, referencing Surah 7:31. “Muslims have a duty to feed the vulnerable, especially in a country where hunger exists.”
Sheikh Issa points to the stark contrast he sees daily in Hillbrow: while many residents go hungry, perfectly good food is thrown away by those who could redistribute it. For nearly a decade, Masjid Al-Falah has run a feeding scheme to support the hungry, highlighting Islam’s emphasis on moderation, care for the vulnerable, and responsible consumption.
“People must measure their food, avoid waste, and ensure surplus reaches those in need,” he says. “Feeding the hungry is not just charity: it is a moral and religious obligation.”