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.
This effort aligns with the department’s 2010 plan to phase out toxic insecticides and pesticides and to promote safer alternatives.
Meanwhile, the R500 million stimulus fund intended to support South African-owned spaza shops has come under intense scrutiny in Parliament.
The fund was launched earlier this month by the Department of Small Business Development in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and is a key part of government efforts to boost township and rural economies while improving food safety standards.
“This support is specifically designated for South African-owned spaza shops as we work to reclaim and strengthen the township and rural economy,” said Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.
However, News reported that in a recent virtual briefing by the department descended into chaos as MPs from across the political spectrum criticised officials for vague responses, unresolved corruption risks, and a controversial middlemen supply model.
Only 3,000 to 5,000 applications have been received so far. This is short of the estimated 200,000 spaza shops nationwide, raising concerns about bureaucratic obstacles, poor communication, and the potential exclusion of many informal businesses.
At the centre of the controversy is the role of three unnamed Delivery Channel Partners (DCPs), private wholesalers responsible for distributing goods to funded spaza shops.
Opposition parties accused the department of creating a monopoly.
“Why are these DCPs not listed in the presentation? Who are they? What are their markups?
This is a middlemen scheme!” said Democratic Alliance MP Nico Pienaar, demanding that the selection criteria and Gazette records be made public.
Freedom Front Plus MP Henk van den Berg added: “Do spaza shops have to buy from these DCPs? Who pays them, the Fund or the shop owners?”
Deputy Director-General Qinisile Delwa declined to provide names or detailed responses, saying only that the DCPs were “vital intermediaries.”
The Fund’s rollout also follows a February 28 deadline for the registration of spaza shops and food-handling businesses as part of broader food safety measures.
