A significant barrier in addressing severe child poverty in South Africa is the fragmentation of services across the Departments of Health, Basic Education, and Social Development. 

Since the departments run standalone programmes, the synergies between the different social systems are not optimised. Children and their families who need additional support are often referred to the appropriate services, but there is poor follow-up. 

This recommendation comes from a 2024 United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) report, which found that 23% of South African children experience severe food poverty, eating less than two of the recommended five food groups per day. 

Unemployment, food insecurity, limited access to basic services, and a lack of knowledge about nutrition all contribute to this. A Researcher at the University of Johannesburg, Dr Matshidiso Sello, spoke to Channel Africa News Reporter, Thuto Ngobeni about this study.