Abstract
Malnutrition is a significant global health issue, which is caused by excessive availability or shortage of nutrients. Malnutrition is a major public health issue in Nkomazi municipality. It can be caused by a lack of food, poor quality, poverty, or nutrient absorption issues. The study aimed to assess malnutrition status and risk factors among under-fives in the municipality. The research used a descriptive cross-sectional design and a closed-ended questionnaire. The findings revealed a high prevalence of malnutrition among children under five, with 56% of respondents being malnourished. The study also found caregivers' employment status as a major cause of malnutrition, with most reporting being unemployed and relying on social grants to maintain their households. Unemployed mothers and caregivers struggle to buy nutritional food for their children. The is a significant association between malnutrition and family size, maternal employment status, breastfeeding practice and hygiene practice. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions addressing these risk factors to prevent malnutrition and ensure optimal child health. The results align with the UNICEF Conceptual Framework on malnutrition, emphasizing the importance of considering immediate, underlying and fundamental causes.