Poverty and Malnutrition in South Africa

Abstract

EVIDENCE given to the Industrial and Agricultural Requirements Commission by Dr. T. W. B. Osborn on March 17, 1941, has now been published under the title “Remedies for Poverty and Malnutrition in South Africa”. (Pp. iii+22. Johannesburg: Central News Agency, Ltd., 1941. 2s. 6d.). Dr. Osborn, pointing out that the mines managements of the Rand have already convinced themselves that it pays to put their native labour force on a well-balanced ration, emphasizes the significance of the prevention of malnutrition in regard to infantile mortality and general physique among the Bantu. The potential production of foodstuffs in South Africa is considered more than sufficient to give each member of the community an ample balanced diet. Distribution is the major problem-getting the right food to the people, by increasing their purchasing power, subsidizing consumption, or free distribution. He criticizes milling practice in the cereal industry and asserts that it is essential that the germ of the wheat should go back into refined flour and mealie meal. The conversion of more skim milk into food for human consumption, development of the margarine industry on the grounds of price, in spite of the butter surplus, encouragement of soya bean growing, of the consumption of meat, fish and peanuts by the poorer sections of the community, and of the use of vegetables and fruit rich in vitamin C, such as guavas and red peppers, are also advocated.