politics
South African Human Rights Commission Ends Food Pricing Hearings
The commission concludes a week of hearings into food systems on 10 July. Retailers including Shoprite face questions on pricing and supply chain data.
Jul 10, 4:50 AM·1m read1 source
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The South African Human Rights Commission concludes the second phase of its national food systems inquiry on Friday, 10 July. The hearings examined how major retailers set prices. Shoprite, Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Massmart, SPAR, Food Lovers Market, RCL Foods, Premier Foods and Tiger Brands appeared on the schedule.
mobi presented a petition with more than 20,000 signatures calling for lower prices at Shoprite stores. The group also delivered the petition at a Shoprite distribution site in Centurion. Shoprite did not attend the first phase of hearings held in March.
Commission chairperson Sandra Makoasha asked why the retailer had not appeared to address pricing and food quality concerns.
Shoprite reported R130.8-billion in revenue for the 2024 financial year. Its chief executive received R83-million in compensation that year. Government statistics presented during the hearings showed food insecurity affecting 22.2 percent of households.
More than one in four children experience stunting linked to malnutrition. Makoasha said the commission will announce its next steps, including possible investigations, by Friday.
