Cabinet bans import of ‘halephirimi' pesticide linked to child deaths in Soweto
The Cabinet has banned the import of Terbufos, a toxic pesticide blamed for the deaths of six children in Soweto.
The Cabinet has, with immediate effect, banned the import of the toxic chemical rodenticide Terbufos, commonly referred to as 'halephirimi,' following its alleged link to the deaths of six children in Naledi, Soweto, last year.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced the decision during a post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday.
She said the ban aims to prevent future public health crises related to food contamination.
The decision comes after the Cabinet reviewed a report from the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Food-Borne Illnesses, which focused on the use of organophosphate pesticides in South Africa.
The IMC was advised by the Ministerial Advisory Council (MAC) on food-borne illnesses, appointed by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.
'The MAC, which comprises health experts from multiple disciplines, found that Terbufos, a highly hazardous chemical, was the likely cause of the children's deaths,' Ntshavheni said.
While the exact circumstances of exposure remain unclear, officials believe the children may have consumed food contaminated with the chemical, allegedly purchased from a local spaza shop.
Ntshavheni said the Cabinet has now officially approved the ban on Terbufos imports, with the Department of Agriculture set to lead public consultations.
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It follows incidents in 2024 where a number of children died in Naledi in Soweto after eating snacks bought from spaza shops. The Cabinet's decision to ban Terbufos pesticide is a historic milestone in the realisation of critical socio-economic rights, says the South African Human Rights Council (SAHRC). The Cabinet has approved the ban on the import of Terbufos, commonly known as Galiphirimi, into the country. Terbufos This was announced by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Parliament on Thursday. The banning of Terbufos follows incidents in the country in 2024, when a number of children died in Naledi in Soweto after consuming toxic snacks bought from spaza shops. Ban More than 20 children died in Gauteng in 2024 in incidents believed to be linked to spaza shops and illegally sold pesticides. 'The Cabinet has approved the ban of Terbufos 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,' Ntshavheni said. 'The ban will be accompanied by a suite of enforcement measures, while broader consultations are underway to identify safer alternatives in order to safeguard food security and support farmers.' ALSO READ: UPDATE: Education department clarifies reports of Soweto child 'food poisoning' death Parliament In February, the SAHRC lobbied parliament's portfolio committee on agriculture to urge an immediate ban on harmful pesticides, including Terbufos. In its presentation to Parliament, the SAHRC strongly advocated for a national ban on Terbufos and called for a shift towards regenerative agriculture and enhanced government action to protect public health. Despite a public outcry and a promised crackdown on Terbufos, it is still allegedly being sold in spaza shops Food system SAHRC spokesperson Wisani Baloyi said the Cabinet's decision reflects an emerging shift towards a people-centred food system. 'This is where communities are empowered to determine their own approaches to production, markets, ecology and culture aligned with principles of social, economic and environmental justice. 'The SAHRC continues to share its heartfelt condolences with the families who lost their children in Naledi, Soweto, and in other parts of the country due to pesticide-related illnesses linked to Terbufos,' Baloyi said. It's not clear yet when the ban on Terbufos will come into effect. ALSO READ: Joburg blames the 'lack of resources' in five children's deaths
