Many of us can recall the familiar childhood warning to finish our vegetables or risk never growing up strong like our favourite superheroes. As children, we imagined caped crusaders swooping in to rescue us from the dreaded broccoli on our plates. Yet today, researchers are focused on a different kind of rescue — protecting the very food that sustains us.

As adults, we now know that real-life heroes do not wear capes. One such hero is the National Planning Commission (NPC), a body undertaking critical research in agriculture at a time when climate change is reshaping landscapes across the world.

NPC Commissioner Dr Lebogang Pheko recently shared her concerns about a future where essential foods may become scarce or expensive.

“What would it look like if certain crops are no longer available? What does it mean for the cost of staples such as pap? And what does that mean for our cultural legacy and the way food shapes our celebrations, traditions, and daily life?” she asked.

Her questions highlight the crucial role that long-term research plays in preparing society for uncertainties.

Appointed by the President, the NPC serves as an independent advisory body and custodian of the National Development Plan (NDP), which aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. Economic growth, exports, and a more labour-absorbing economy form part of its central goals.

Dr Pheko, one of 26 Commissioners, has been deeply involved in commissioning research on agricultural methods, small business development, irrigation systems, and reducing regulatory barriers. Chapter 6 of the NDP emphasises agriculture as a key driver of job creation, particularly in rural areas, with the vegetable industry identified as a major potential contributor.

A significant portion of the Commission’s work focuses on the impact of climate change on water availability, irrigation, and food production. “Water scarcity is expected to worsen unless we act now,” she warned. This will affect planting seasons, food availability, and the cost of many staple foods.

Beyond economics, the research also explores the legacy of food — the meals woven into our cultural identity — and how these might be affected by shifting climate patterns. It further examines ways to reframe South Africa’s agricultural footprint, especially as fewer young people pursue careers in farming. Pheko believes the country must rethink the appeal of agricultural studies and encourage young people to see farming as part of nation-building.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has echoed the importance of this sector. In a recent national newsletter, he described agriculture as central to the economy, noting that the value and volume of the sector has more than doubled since 1994. By the end of 2024, over 924,000 people were directly employed in agriculture, with a further 200,000 working across the value chain. South Africa also exported a record $13.7 billion in agricultural products in 2024, with nearly half going to other African countries.

To reach the NDP’s target of creating one million new jobs in agriculture, the NPC recommends increased investment in irrigation infrastructure and greater support for agricultural research and development. Climate change remains a central concern, with repeated floods in KwaZulu-Natal demonstrating the urgent need for improved planning.

Dr Pheko argues that rural and urban planning must be aligned to create sustainable, self-sufficient communities. “People move to cities because they do not see opportunities in rural areas. We must rethink development so every generation can imagine a future where they live,” she said.

Looking beyond 2030, the Commission is examining future scenarios to ensure South Africa is not caught unprepared. Socio-spatial arrangements, agricultural systems, and water and energy planning all form part of this forward-looking research.

Reflecting on South Africa’s current economic landscape, Pheko describes it as historically complex and overly reliant on labour-intensive models. She expressed concern about poor literacy and numeracy levels among young learners, which limits progress in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — areas crucial for future development. Skills in agriculture are also being overtaken by mechanisation, requiring renewed focus on training and diversification.

With her term ending in 2026, Pheko hopes her legacy will be one of foresight, collaboration, and the creation of a strong foundation for future policy. “I hope people see that we tried to chart a long-term course for the country,” she said.

Just as superheroes protect their communities, the NPC’s work is quietly shaping a safer future for the next generation — ensuring that, despite the challenges ahead, South Africa’s food security and agricultural legacy remain intact.