The DG Murray Trust (DGMT) has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment to end child stunting by 2030, announced during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, 12 February.

The organisation says practical, evidence-based interventions, particularly during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, could significantly accelerate progress in reducing stunting in South Africa.

DGMT highlighted several priority measures, including Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation for pregnant women, the introduction of a Maternal Support Grant, targeted nutrition support for high-risk mothers and babies, and stronger alcohol regulation.

The announcement comes just two months after Cabinet approved the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC), which outlines 10 national priorities aimed at improving the well-being of children and teenagers.

During his address, the President said government would focus on interventions in the first 1,000 days of life, from conception until a child’s second birthday, a period widely recognised as critical for growth and brain development.

Research shows the risk of stunting increases when babies are born with a low birth weight, defined as under 2.5 kilograms, and fail to catch up due to maternal malnutrition or alcohol exposure during pregnancy.

DGMT said it is encouraged by the President’s commitment to implement targeted interventions to ensure pregnant women and low-birth-weight children receive adequate protein and nutrients.

Funding for the government’s stunting eradication plan is expected to be allocated during the upcoming Medium Term Budget Policy Statement. The organisation has called for sufficient investment in programmes with proven impact and strong returns.

Among the proposals put forward are:

• Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) for pregnant women, a single tablet containing 15 essential vitamins and minerals, which has been shown to reduce low birth weight, preterm birth and early infant mortality. The intervention can be delivered through existing healthcare systems.
• A Maternal Support Grant, beginning in the second trimester of pregnancy and transitioning into the Child Support Grant after birth. Evidence shows income support during pregnancy improves maternal nutrition, increases clinic attendance and lowers the risk of low birth weight.
• Targeted nutrition support for pregnant women at risk of delivering low-birth-weight babies, alongside enhanced healthcare support through community health workers and regular clinic monitoring.

DGMT also raised concern about alcohol exposure during pregnancy, noting that South Africa has one of the highest rates of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome globally. Over the past decade, an estimated 800,000 babies have been born underweight or suffered developmental harm linked to alcohol exposure in the womb.

To address the problem, the organisation is urging government to introduce minimum unit pricing for alcohol and to follow through on calls for provinces to tighten liquor trading hours and limit the density of liquor outlets.

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