Looking at improving the schools and universities food environments form an integral part of the life of Siphosethu Nase.
The passionate Durban University of Technology (DUT) student is currently a master’s student, specialising in Food and Nutrition.
Nase recently had the sterling opportunity to travel to Paris, France and present at the prestigious Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit, the flagship international conference on global nutrition.
The N4G Summit brought together policymakers, researchers, youth advocates, and civil society organisations from across the world. Nase was the only representative from South Africa as a whole.
Nase was proudly invited by UNICEF France, the National Assembly of France, and the UNESCO headquarters to present research findings of the study he was involved in, at the N4G Summit, providing the general overview of the South African school food environment, and advocating for policies that protect students from exploitative big food and beverage industry practices.
He shared that he had proudly attended as a Fix My Food Youth advocate, which is a coalition of young people advocating for a fairer food system where healthy food is available, accessible, and affordable for every child and youth.
“I attended this vital N4G Summit, representing South Africa in important discussions on food security and nutrition issues that directly affect us at DUT, and globally,” he shared.
For Nase, he echoed that this was his first time in the city of France which was both an exciting and eye-opening experience. “Paris is a city rich in culture and history, and it was inspiring to engage with global experts, directors from humongous organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), ministers serving in different governments across the world, and top-rated scientists from the best universities across the globe, in such a prestigious setting,” he highlighted.
Nase happily shared that his experience of presenting at the French National Assembly and being a delegate at UNESCO was surreal.
“It also made me realise how interconnected our challenges are when it comes to food security and public health,” he stressed.
Being part of the N4G Summit was a humbling and empowering experience for Nase.
“It was an opportunity to amplify the voices of young people in advocating for healthier food environments. Presenting at the French National Assembly and being part of the delegation at the UNESCO headquarters gave me a platform to highlight the challenges faced by South African students due to unhealthy food marketing, and also highlight some of the projects we have been working on. The experience in France reaffirmed my passion for better food policies and the need for urgent action in our food systems,” he scrumptiously emphasised.
Speaking about how his journey to the N4G Summit began, Nase indicated that his exhilarating expedition into food advocacy started with his academic background in food and nutrition and his involvement in research on school food environments.
“As part of the Fix My Food movement, I became increasingly aware of the impact of unhealthy food marketing on young people. This led to my participation in advocacy campaigns. Through UNICEF SA and Fix My Food SA, I was invited to share insights at international platforms in the N4G Summit, advocating for policies that protect students from exploitative big food and beverage industry practices,” shared Nase.
Highlighting further his topic of discussion at the N4G Summit, he explained that he spoke about the South African school food environment and the urgent need to regulate unhealthy food marketing deliberately targeting children and youth.
“A key focus of my presentation was on how food and beverage companies deliberately mislead consumers through deceptive marketing tactics. Furthermore, on how these big food and beverage companies target vulnerable populations; particularly children, students, and low-income communities; by using misleading health claims that make ultra-processed foods seem like better choices. For example, products high in sugars and artificial additives are often marketed as ‘energy boosting’, creating a false perception of health benefits,” he added.
Nase indicated that beyond just misleading marketing, these companies actively hide the truth from consumers.
“They use confusing labelling, avoid transparency about harmful ingredients, and influence policy decisions to delay stricter regulations. This is why advocacy efforts, like the ones led by the Fix My Food, are critical in exposing these tactics and demanding policy changes to protect students and children from corporate exploitation,” he said.
Nase’s presentation also emphasised the triple burden of malnutrition in South Africa; stunting, wasting, and the alarming rates of obesity. He also highlighted research findings that despite voluntary pledges by food companies, unhealthy products continue to be aggressively marketed to students.
“I called for stronger legal frameworks to ensure healthier food environments in schools and universities,” he relayed.
For Nase, some of the summit highlights included presenting at the French National Assembly and engaging with policymakers; and participating in panel discussions on improving food systems alongside government representatives and civil society organisations.
“Realising the global impact of our work and how policies in one country can influence change elsewhere,” he expressed.
Nase further indicated that the importance of such a type of work in South Africa.
“Recognising how unique our work is as Fix My Food advocates in South Africa. We are one of the few countries actively leading this kind of youth-driven movement to challenge the food industry and push for a healthier school and university food environment,” he explained.
Nase emphasised that his work is setting a precedent and inspiring young people around the globe to also stand up, and say enough is enough!
“Young people are realising that they are being exploited through being deliberately targeted by big food and beverage companies. Additionally, the value preposition of our advocacy efforts became even clearer during the summit. We are moving beyond raising awareness and driving real discussions for policy reforms that could reshape the future of food environments and ensure the health and wellbeing of children, youth and all South Africans,” he reiterated.
Moving forward, Nase aims to continue advocating for stronger food policies in South Africa, particularly focusing on school food environments and the regulation of unhealthy food marketing.
Following his presentations at the N4G Summit, ministers, policymakers, and civil society organisations recognised the significance of his advocacy and saw the need for his message to reach a broader audience. They emphasised that these critical discussions should not only be heard by them but also by the Presidents of different nations at COP30. Nase is honoured by this recognition and looks forward to the opportunity to amplify the call for healthier food policies on that big stage.
“One of the most pressing issues we need to address is the lack of access to nutritious food in our university and campus environments throughout the country, including DUT,” he explained.
Nase reinforced that many students are denied the opportunity to make healthier food choices simply because nutritious options are either unavailable or unaffordable.
“The big food and beverage companies have flooded our campuses with ultra-processed foods, leaving students with very few alternatives,” he said.
The journey of research has only just begun for Nase who has readily shared that he plans to further pursue his research on nutrition policy and its impact on public health.
“Another goal is to expand the Fix My Food movement, bringing more students and young advocates into the conversation to drive meaningful policy change, including here at DUT, in relation to our campus food environments,” he proffered.
For Nase, he explained that the summit reinforced the importance of youth involvement in policymaking.
“We cannot afford to be passive observers in decisions that directly affect our health and future. I hope through continued advocacy and awareness, we can create a more just and nutritious food environment for all young people,” he declared.
Pictured: Siphosethu Nase and a delegate from the N4G Summit.
Waheeda Peters
