South Africa is one of several states in Southern Africa that are among the 45 million people who will face famine in the coming winter months.
The eight states, of which Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Madagascar, Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi and possibly Botswana are experiencing drought conditions while the economic conditions are also worrisome, have led the United Nations Food Program to issue a serious warning that 45 millions of people could be trapped in the famine.
However, Zimbabwe is in the worst strangle of famine and is even worse than a decade ago with about 8 million people facing food shortages.
In Zambia, it is envisaged that more than 20% of the population will not have food during the winter months, and this has prevented any export of foodstuffs produced.
Lesotho and Namibia could lose 10% of its population due to famine if assistance does not come from elsewhere.