The South African Human Commission (SAHRC) has welcomed the ban of the importation of Terbufos in the country.
The decision was approved during a cabinet meeting this week, and was announced by the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, during a media briefing in Cape Town.
“Cabinet has approved the ban of Terbufos also known as Galephirimi, and the import of this chemical compound into South Africa.
Terbufos, classified as an organophosphate, is commonly used as an insecticide and pesticide in the farming community.
The ban will be accompanied by a suite of enforcement measures, while broader consultations are underway to identify safer alternatives to safeguard food security and support farmers,” said Ntshavheni.
The Commission regards this step as a significant one especially following a spike of foodborne illnesses and deaths linked to the chemical.
The SAHRC spokesperson, Wisani Baloyi commended the efforts of all stakeholders who were involved in processes to ensure the ban.
“On 04 February 2025, the Commission met with the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, the Minister of Agriculture and the Deputy Minister of Agriculture to address the human rights implications of agricultural pesticides, particularly Terbufos.
The Portfolio Committee responded positively to the SAHRC’s proposal to establish a multi-sectoral task team with a six-month mandate to identify viable, effective alternatives to Terbufos and other Harzadous Pesticides (HHPs),” said Baloyi.
In addition, Baloyi described the decision as a “milestone in the realisation of critical socio-economic rights including the rights to health, clean water and a safe environment.”
The Commission has guaranteed that it’ll continue to oversee the enforcement of the ban, to advocate for the restriction of HHPs and support efforts towards public health and environmental protection.
