Investigation into Woolworths, Pick n Pay, and Shoprite in South Africa
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is conducting a hearing into South Africa’s food systems, with Woolworths, Shoprite, Pick n Pay and several retailers and food producers present.
SAHRC is convening the second leg of the National Investigative Hearing into South Africa’s Food Systems from 6 to 10 July 2026.
The first phase of the hearings took place in March 2026, where the commission received evidence from a range of stakeholders, including civil society organisations and government institutions.
SAHRC said that a consistent theme from the proceedings was the need to further interrogate the structure of the food system, especially market concentration.
It is also looking into the role of private-sector actors in shaping access to food, affordability, and nutritional outcomes.
A large number of retailers and government departments will attend the hearings.
Retailers and food producers who will be present during the week-long proceedings include Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Massmart, SPAR, Food Lovers Market, RCL Foods, Premier Foods and Tiger Brands.
Government departments will include Land Reform and Rural Development; Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta); Forestry, Fisheries and Environment; and Health.
The commission said that the additional hearings are necessary to obtain evidence from key private-sector stakeholders.
This includes those in the food value chain, including input suppliers and agribusinesses, farmers, food processors and manufacturers, such as retailers and distributors, as well as lobby groups.
“Their participation will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the structural, economic and policy factors that influence access to food in South Africa,” said the SAHRC.
The hearing was initiated in response to complaints received by the commission and to findings from its monitoring work, which revealed growing concerns about the lack of access to adequate food.
Section 27(1)(b) of the Constitution guarantees that everyone has the right to have access to sufficient food.
While there is a constitutional guarantee, millions of South Africans continue to experience hunger and food insecurity.
“Children remain particularly vulnerable, with many suffering from malnutrition and stunting, while preventable hunger continues to result in avoidable loss of life,” said the SAHRC.
“This is especially concerning given that South Africa possesses the agricultural capacity and food resources necessary to feed its entire population.”
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