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Systemic pesticide-related abuses include farmworkers exposed to hazardous chemicals without protective gear or training and contamination of rural water sources. (Flickr)
AGRICULTURAL REMEDIES ACT

Agriculture minister bans toxic pesticide tied to Soweto child deaths

SA has banned the toxic pesticide, terbufos, after the deaths of six Soweto children and hundreds of poisoning cases linked to the chemical

  • Sheree Bega
3 min read
In circulation: Highly hazardous pesticides, including Terbufos, flood informal markets where they are sold illegally as cheap, effective pest control. Picture: File
CHILD DEATHS

SA moves to ban deadly pesticide

Given the rate of deaths in 2023 and 2024, averaging one every second day, a delay of six months or more could mean up to another 100 deaths

  • Sheree Bega
9 min read
Accidental deaths: Products readily available in local shops are bought to deal with problems such as rats. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
ACCESS TO INFORMATION SOUTH AFRICA

Government’s toxic malaise causes poisonings, not spaza shops

South Africa bows to the hazardous chemical industry and allows the use of scores of pesticides banned in Europe

  • Leslie London
  • Andrea Rother
6 min read