South Africa is a nation of stark contrasts, a place where fertile fields yield abundant harvests, yet millions of people go to bed hungry every night.

It’s a cruel irony that Ozzy Nel, chief operating officer of non-profit organisation (NPO) SA Harvest, is determined to change. Since its founding in 2019, SA Harvest has delivered more than 76,8 million meals, repurposed 19,6 million kilograms of surplus food, and prevented more than 1,5 million kilograms of methane gas emissions.

Behind these staggering numbers lies a story of resilience, innovation, and an unyielding belief in the right to food for all.

“No one should go hungry when there is enough food in the world,” says Nel, as he reflects on the NGO’s mission.

His words resonate deeply, particularly in a country where 20% of households face food insecurity every day.

A vision born of necessity

SA Harvest was founded in 2019 to address an urgent crisis: the widespread hunger that coexists with massive food waste. According to Nel, the organisation began with a simple premise: rescue perfectly edible, nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste, and redistribute it to those in need.

“It’s more than just a logistics operation; it’s about addressing the systemic flaws in our food ecosystem,” he says.

The scale of food waste in South Africa is shocking and heartbreaking, with an estimated 10 million tons of food wasted annually, enough to feed millions of people.

Nel says the problem isn’t just about waste; it’s about inefficiencies and a lack of collaboration within the food system: “Food insecurity is not just a charity issue; it’s a systemic failure.”

SA Harvest’s vision has evolved over the years. While food rescue remains at the heart of its operations, the organisation now tackles deeper issues, such as hunger education, food-security advocacy, and creating circular economies through entrepreneurial incubators.

Technology has been a game-changer for the NPO, enabling it to scale its operations and reach communities efficiently. The organisation uses advanced digital platforms to track food donations, manage logistics, and measure impact in real time.

“Our platforms allow us to connect donors, beneficiaries, and logistics teams seamlessly. Every kilogram of food is accounted for, from the moment it’s rescued to the moment it’s delivered,” says Nel.

These innovations ensure transparency and efficiency. But technology is only part of the equation. The organisation’s human touch – building relationships with farmers, manufacturers, and community organisations – makes the system truly effective.

One such partnership is with OneFarm Share, an initiative that connects farmers with food-rescue organisations.

“This collaboration allows us to access large quantities of fresh produce that would otherwise go to waste, ensuring nutritious food reaches vulnerable populations,” explains Nel.

Challenges on the frontlines of hunger

Despite its successes, SA Harvest faces significant challenges, and food insecurity in South Africa is a mammoth problem, exacerbated by rising unemployment, inequality, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The scale of the problem can feel overwhelming at times. Millions of people don’t have consistent access to nutritious food. And then there are logistical challenges, transporting perishable goods quickly, ensuring safe storage, and dealing with infrastructure constraints,” says Nel.

A particularly pressing issue is the lack of legislation to prevent food waste.

Nel is vocal about this, stressing the need for systemic change and urging policymakers to adopt measures that incentivise food donations and penalise waste.

“We need laws that prioritise food security and regulate food waste. It’s not just a moral imperative, it’s an economic and environmental one,” he adds.

The team’s journey has been marked by moments of profound impact. One was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when food insecurity reached alarming levels.

“We were working around the clock, delivering food to communities in crisis. Seeing the gratitude on people’s faces was both humbling and heart-wrenching. It reminded us why we do what we do,” says Nel.

Another milestone was the launch of the Lusikisiki Entrepreneurial Incubator, a programme aimed at empowering local communities through sustainable agricultural practices. The incubator not only provides food security but also creates jobs and fosters self-reliance.

“These young graduates are now part of SA Harvest’s Durban operations, proving that the fight against hunger can also be a fight for opportunity and dignity,” says Nel, proudly.

The ripple effect of food rescue

The impact of SA Harvest’s work extends far beyond the individuals it feeds, because
by salvaging surplus food, the organisation reduces the environmental burden of food waste, which is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

“Every kilogram of food we rescue prevents methane gas from being released into the atmosphere. It’s a win-win for people and the planet,” explains Nel.

The rescued food also bolsters local economies by supporting community organisations that rely on it to service vulnerable populations. These organisations, ranging from schools to shelters, are then better equipped to provide consistent, nutritious meals.

The principal of one beneficiary, a school in KwaZulu-Natal, shares how SA Harvest’s food donations transformed their feeding programme: “Before, we could only afford to give the children one meal a day. Now, we can provide breakfast and lunch, and the difference in their energy and focus is remarkable.”

When asked about his vision for a hunger-free South Africa, Nel speaks with unwavering optimism. “I believe it’s possible. But it will take systemic change, collaboration, and a shift in how we think about food.”

He outlines a multipronged approach: scaling food-rescue operations, advocating for policy changes, and fostering greater collaboration within the food ecosystem. Individuals and businesses also have roles to play, whether by reducing food waste, donating surplus food, or supporting organisations like SA Harvest.

“Hunger is not inevitable; it’s a problem we can solve if we work together,” he says.

A mission with a heart

At its core, SA Harvest’s work is about more than just feeding people; it’s about restoring dignity, hope, and opportunity. Nel shares a story that encapsulates this mission, about a family in Soweto who received food donations during a particularly difficult time.

“The mother told us that the food we brought wasn’t just sustenance, but also a symbol of hope. It showed her that someone cared, and that her family wasn’t forgotten,” recounts Nel, his voice breaking slightly.

It is moments like these that keep the team going, even in the face of immense challenges.

For those inspired by SA Harvest’s story, there are many ways to get involved. Individuals can donate food, money, or logistics support. Businesses can partner with SA Harvest to redistribute surplus food, while policymakers can advocate for stronger food-security measures.

“The key to solving hunger is collaboration at every level. No contribution is too small, and every effort counts,” says Nel.

As SA Harvest continues its journey, one thing is clear: the fight against hunger is far from over, but with dedicated individuals and innovative solutions, a hunger-free South Africa is within reach.

The NGO’s story is a powerful testament to what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

By addressing food insecurity and other systemic issues, the organisation is not just feeding people, it is changing lives, transforming communities, and paving the way for a more equitable future.

“Every meal we deliver takes us one step closer to a world where no one has to go hungry. And that’s a world worth fighting for,” says Nel.

For more info email SA Harvest at [email protected].