In the wake of recent tragedies involving unregistered poisons, domestic stakeholders are calling for immediate and decisive action to rid South African streets of these hazardous substances.
The renewed focus on this critical issue follows the unfortunate deaths of six children after exposure to illegal pesticides in Naledi, Soweto, two weeks ago.
Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi announced yesterday that dangerous pesticides were responsible for the death of six children in Soweto.
“Organophosphate is not one substance, but a group of substances which are usually used in agriculture or as pesticides. The organophosphate identified in this instance is called terbufos. All the six children died of terbufos ingestion,” Motsoaledi said.
CropLife South Africa, a key provider of sustainable crop protection and public health solutions, has raised alarms regarding the presence of dangerous, unregistered poisons sold by street vendors and spaza shops across the country.
Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, operations and stewardship manager at CropLife SA, yesterday expressed a mix of relief and urgency, stating that while government agencies have finally began examining these substances, an actionable plan is needed to tackle the illegal market more aggressively.
Verdoorn said the implications of these unregistered poisons were dire.
“It is sobering to see that the state agencies have finally stepped in,” Verdoorn noted. “However, we require a comprehensive action plan to eliminate these threats to our communities.”
According to CropLife SA, the culprits are primarily two substances—aldicarb and terbufos—which are categorised as highly toxic pesticides. The alarming trends of their misuse are particularly prevalent in Gauteng, the Western Cape, Free State, and parts of Northwest South Africa.
Verdoorn pointed out that these poisons have not only dangerous agricultural consequences but severe health risks as well. This was witnessed through various incidents, including the tragic case last year when three children in Port Elizabeth died after consuming terbufos allegedly mixed in a packet of noodles.
Consumption of these unregulated substances leads to acute poisoning symptoms, including excessive salivation, severe nausea, potential coma, and even death.
The rise of these illegal poisons often stems from their sale designed to mimic legitimate pest control solutions, creating a false sense of security among consumers.
“These substances are often packaged in poor quality, unlabelled containers and may be mistaken for everyday food items, leading to catastrophic readjustments of normal familial activities,” remarked Verdoorn.
Families unknowingly risk exposing their children to lethal toxins while trying to combat pests.
Hilda Swart, CEO of the South African Pest Control Association (SAPCA), echoed these concerns by emphasising the need for strict adherence to industry standards.
“This underscores the importance of proper regulation and the certification of individuals involved in pest control, promoting safety for our community,” Swart stated, urging the public to verify pest control operators’ credentials through reliable channels.
Heightened vigilance is paramount, not only from governmental bodies but also from within communities.
CropLife SA has urged citizens to refrain from purchasing any pesticides from unregistered vendors, warning that registered products pose a far lesser risk if used as intended.
The dangers of illegal poisons are compounded by their accessibility and lack of regulation, making it imperative for authorities to enforce stringent prohibitions against sales of these deadly substances.
As South Africa reevaluates its strategies to combat this growing issue, there’s a unified call from industry experts and health advocates alike: a decisive response is not only paramount but necessary to safeguard the lives of innocent children and the wider public.
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