Tana Malinga
Stunting is one of the biggest hidden problems holding back South Africa’s future. Yet, many people don’t know what it really means.
This month, Compact Food Solutions (CFS) is taking action. The team will visit three top Western Cape malls — Canal Walk, Tygervalley, and Cavendish Square — to raise awareness about stunting and what can be done to stop it.
Stunting happens when a child is too short for their age. According to the World Health Organization, stunted children can be up to 15 centimetres shorter than normal for their age. More worrying, they can lose up to 40% of their brain growth in the first three years of life. This makes them more likely to get sick and struggle to reach their full potential.
A UNICEF and South African Demographic and Health Survey shows that one in four children in South Africa is stunted — mostly due to poor nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life. The damage cannot be reversed, which makes prevention vital.
“Urgent action is needed,” says Jenny Martin, Managing Director at CFS. “When children’s bodies and brains are damaged for life, the whole nation loses. Supplying low-cost nutrition sachets to early childhood centres can make a big difference.”
You can help break the cycle. Visit the Compact Food Solutions stands at:
Canal Walk, Tyger Valley, and Cavendish Square – 29 October to 2 November 2025.
A small action from you can help raise stronger, smarter children — and a stronger nation.
RAISE A LIFE. RAISE A NATION.
