Women on Farms Project welcomes ban on terbufos
The highly hazardous organophosphate insecticide is primarily used in agriculture to control insects and nematodes in the soil.
Black granules purchased in Tembisa that were sent for testing came back positive for terbufos. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The Women on Farms Project says Cabinet’s decision to ban terbufos is a victory that will transform farming practices, prioritising lives over profit.
Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshaveni made the announcement last week during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Parliament.
Terbufos made headlines last year after it was linked to the passing of six children from Naledi in Soweto.
The children died after consuming snacks bought from spaza shops.
EXPLAINER: What you need to know about terbufos
Women on Farms Project has welcomed the announcement to ban the hazardous pesticide, terbufos.
Addressing the media after a post-Cabinet briefing last week, Ntshaveno said, “Cabinet has approved the ban of import of terbufos in South Africa.”
The highly hazardous organophosphate insecticide is primarily used in agriculture to control insects and nematodes in the soil.
However, due to its toxicity, it's also a major cause of pesticide poisoning, especially in informal markets where it's sold as a "street pesticide" without proper labelling or warnings.
While the announcement has been well received, Women on Farms says the struggle continues as there are still many other similar hazardous agrochemicals that must be banned.
Spokesperson Kara Mackay explained, “We endorse the South African Human Rights Commission’s proposal to establish a multi-sectoral task team with a six-month mandate to identify viable, effective alternatives to terbufos and other highly hazardous pesticides.”
Mackay added that she hopes the announcement offers some solace to the families of the deceased children.
