The Problem

In 2020, a staggering 25% of South Africa's population—equivalent to 2.5 million families—found themselves grappling with food poverty. The majority of these families endure entrenched generational poverty, marked by several defining characteristics: households led by women, a high number of dependents, limited education, economic inactivity, food insecurity, social marginalization, and inadequate access to essential services. While rural areas house a significant portion of the country's impoverished populace, townships harbour a substantial number of individuals facing even deeper levels of food insecurity, sanitation challenges, and social exclusion.

Numerous governmental and non-governmental initiatives have ardently endeavoured to address the multifaceted development challenges confronting those entrenched in extreme poverty. Regrettably, these programs often operate independently, lacking the vital integration and coordination necessary to formulate a comprehensive approach capable of tackling the myriad issues arising from complex poverty. Moreover, many initiatives primarily focus on the individual, neglecting to encompass the individual's core living environment—the family unit—and failing to holistically address generational poverty.

Given the intricate nature of multi-faceted generational poverty, crafting and executing a comprehensive, integrated, poverty eradication program is an arduous task without the requisite tools and expertise. Only recently have such tools and expertise emerged, enabling the potential design and management of a holistic approach to alleviating entrenched poverty.