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Civil society coalition says: Heads must roll for Terbufos regulatory failure
Press Release: South African People’s Tribunal on AgroToxins
IN SUMMARY THE STATEMENT SAYS:
Tragic Deaths of Children in Soweto: Six children in Naledi, Soweto died from ingesting Terbufos, a highly toxic pesticide used in agriculture. This tragedy highlights the dangers that these chemicals pose, especially to children in rural communities.
Call for Pesticide Bans and Better Regulations: Activists and organizations have campaigned for stricter pesticide regulations and a ban on hazardous pesticides. Despite a report from the UN in July 2024 documenting poisoning cases and deaths, the South African government has not taken effective action.
Serious Health Risks Linked to Pesticides: UN findings revealed that Terbufos and other illegal “street pesticides” have poisoned children and communities, especially in impoverished areas with poor sanitation. Terbufos is labeled as highly toxic by the World Health Organization and is banned in the EU but still used legally in South Africa.
Corporate Influence on Regulation: Critics claim South Africa’s pesticide regulations favor corporate interests, leaving vulnerable communities exposed to harmful chemicals. Activists argue that the government’s close ties with industry have led to regulatory failures, making marginalized groups suffer disproportionately.
Community Health Disasters: In Durban’s Blackburn settlement, during the 2021 riots, a warehouse containing pesticides (including Terbufos) was burned, releasing toxic smoke and causing long-lasting health issues. Residents felt authorities failed to protect or assist them.
Industry and Government Deflect Blame: The chemical industry initially blamed banned, smuggled substances, but tests showed the deaths were due to legally registered Terbufos. Critics call this a “double standard,” as pesticides banned in the EU are still exported to developing countries like South Africa, where regulations are weaker.
Demands for Immediate Action:
- Ban Dangerous Pesticides: Organizations urge South Africa to ban highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs), especially those banned elsewhere.
- Government Accountability: There are calls for consequences for regulatory failures and better coordination across government agencies to ensure pesticide regulation and enforcement.
- Transparency and Inclusivity: Activists demand that the government end self-regulation by industry, involve communities in decisions, and create a public database of chemicals used in the country.
Support for Vulnerable Communities: Activists express solidarity with farm workers and communities regularly exposed to toxic pesticides. They advocate for a shift to safe and sustainable agricultural practices to protect public health, the environment, and worker rights.
Commitment to Ongoing Advocacy: Civil society groups are committed to fighting against the current harmful agricultural practices and supporting farm workers, who face daily exposure to these toxins, for a safer and more just system.
Endorsements: This call for action is backed by various organizations including :
- African Centre for Biodiversity
- Women on Farms Project
- groundWork, Friends of the Earth SA
- Surplus People Project
- Ubuntu Rural Women and Youth Movement
- Commercial Stevedoring, Agricultural and Allied Workers Union
- Trust for Community Outreach and Education
Notes for editors:
- Visit to South Africa – Report of the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, Marcos Orellana. July 2024. https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/country-reports/ahrc5752add1-visit-south-africa-report-special-rapporteur-implications
- Comments by the State: Report of the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes on his visit to South Africa. September 2024. https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/g24/149/14/pdf/g2414914.pdf
- Pesticide Action Network (PAN) list of HHPs https://pan-international.org/wp-content/uploads/PAN_HHP_List.pd
- Terbufos information sheet: https://echa.europa.eu/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.032.679
For Media Inquiries:
- People’s Tribunal on Agrotoxins: Haidee Swanby, haidee@polka.co.za +27 (0)82 459 8548
- groundWork: media@groundwork.org.za
