To: The President of the Republic of South Africa His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa Union Buildings Government Avenue Pretoria, South Africa

Re: Urgent Appeal to Reverse the Ban on Hemp in Foodstuffs

Date: 11/03/2025

Dear President Ramaphosa,

It is with deep concern that we address this letter regarding the recent announcement from the Minister of Health, Dr. Pakishe Aaron Motsoaledi, banning the use of hemp in foodstuffs.

This decision is not only a fundamental infringement on the rights of South African citizens but also a clear demonstration of the government’s failure to grasp the critical role that hemp can play in the country’s economic development, food security and job creation.

Despite repeated declarations of support for the Cannabis and hemp industries in your State of the Nation Addresses, this move directly contradicts the commitment to fostering a thriving, inclusive and globally competitive hemp sector.

The ban undermines the very foundation upon which the industry has been trying to establish itself and sends a damaging signal to local and international investors who have been cautiously optimistic about South Africa’s potential in this space.

Hemp-based food products, including hemp seeds and hemp-derived protein, have been legally available in South Africa for over a decade and are widely consumed in many countries, including the United States, Canada, the European Union, China and Australia.

The decision to ban them in South Africa is devoid of scientific basis and raises serious concerns about the government’s true intent regarding hemp industry development.

The Nutritional and Economic Case for Hemp in Foodstuffs

Hemp is one of the most nutritionally complete plant-based foods available. Its seeds contain:

● A full spectrum of essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source comparable to meat, eggs and dairy—critical in a country where many struggle with protein deficiencies.

● An optimal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, which supports heart health, reduces inflammation and improves cognitive function.

● High fiber content, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.

● Essential vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, iron and vitamin E, all of which are crucial for immune function, energy production and overall well-being.

At a time when South Africa is battling rising rates of obesity, diabetes and malnutrition caused by ultra-processed, nutrient-poor food products, banning a highly nutritious, natural, and sustainable food source is both illogical and detrimental to public health.

Economic and Agricultural Impact

The decision also disregards the potential for hemp to uplift rural farmers, create jobs and stimulate the economy. The Department of Agriculture has issued around 1,500 hemp cultivation permits, yet this ban eliminates a key market for growers and processors, severely hampering industry growth. Hemp food production is a low-tech, high-impact sector that could empower SMMEs, small-scale farmers and cooperatives, particularly in underserved rural areas.

Globally, the hemp food market is projected to reach USD 6.5 billion by 2030, driven by increasing consumer demand for plant-based, sustainable nutrition. South Africa should be positioning itself as a leader in this emerging industry, not actively sabotaging it.

Government Contradiction and Lack of Cohesion

It is important to underscore the glaring contradiction in government policy.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has been actively conducting trials and supporting startup businesses in hemp-based food and cosmetic development—initiatives that have been funded and supported by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development (GDARD).

This demonstrates a clear disconnect between government departments, where one entity is investing in hemp industry development while another is actively undermining its progress. Such inconsistency not only creates regulatory uncertainty but also sends a damaging message to investors, entrepreneurs and farmers who have placed their trust in the government’s stated commitment to growing this sector.

The decision to ban hemp in foodstuffs directly contradicts the ongoing efforts to build a viable hemp economy and further raises concerns about deliberate efforts to obstruct the industry’s forward momentum.

Call for Immediate Government Intervention

This ill-conceived decision has already drawn negative attention from the international hemp industry and places South Africa at odds with global best practices. It is a regulatory misstep that threatens the credibility of the government’s commitment to fostering industrial hemp as a viable sector.

We urge your office to take immediate action to reverse this unjustified ban and engage with industry stakeholders to develop rational, evidence-based policies that support—not obstruct—the growth of the hemp economy.

Your leadership in rectifying this issue is critical and we request an urgent response. South Africa cannot afford to forfeit the opportunities that the hemp industry presents.

Sincerely,

Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Academy

academy@cheebaafrica.com