By Jacobs Botha
In the heart of South Africa, a silent menace has emerged, claiming the lives of the country’s youngest and most vulnerable. Over the past few months, food-borne illnesses have surged, leading to the deaths of at least 22 children. This crisis has ignited a nationwide call for action, and President Cyril Ramaphosa has stepped up to address the tragedy head-on.
The numbers are staggering: since September 2024, 890 cases of food-borne illnesses have been reported, with Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal bearing the brunt.
The pain is palpable in communities like Naledi, Soweto, where six children perished in a single incident.
President Ramaphosa spoke for the nation when he expressed, “Our thoughts and prayers are with their families as they endure the pain of losing their children. These young children were not just the children of their families; they were our children.”
A Strategic Response
In response, the government has deployed a multifaceted strategy to tackle the root causes and prevent future tragedies. One of the key measures is a robust public education campaign targeting children, parents, caregivers, and the broader community.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) and various government departments, aims to educate on food safety and the proper handling and storage of hazardous chemicals.
President Ramaphosa emphasized, “This campaign will involve government departments, agencies, industry organizations, and civil society formations to ensure a comprehensive approach to food safety.”
Education and Enforcement
The Department of Basic Education is also playing a critical role. Schools will soon receive updated guidelines for managing food suppliers and operating tuck shops. By the start of the new school year, these institutions will be better equipped to prevent food-borne illnesses.
Moreover, the government is cracking down on the use of dangerous pesticides like Terbufos, an agricultural chemical sold informally in townships as a cheap rat control solution. Recent investigations confirmed Terbufos in samples from spaza shops and food packaging linked to the deaths.
President Ramaphosa declared, “Terbufos is not allowed to be sold for general household use. Its informal sale as a ‘street pesticide’ must be stopped.”
Inspectors have already confiscated illegal pesticides and uncovered improper food storage practices, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement.
Addressing Underlying Issues
Beyond immediate measures, the President acknowledged the systemic issues contributing to the crisis, such as poor municipal waste management, which exacerbates rat infestations. “Rubbish is not collected regularly, streets are not being cleaned, creating conditions for rats and other pests to thrive. Often, the poorest communities are the worst affected,” he noted.
Ramaphosa also addressed the spread of misinformation, clarifying that there is no evidence of a deliberate poisoning campaign. “These products are just as likely to be sold in shops owned by South Africans. We all have a duty – as the State, as a society, as parents and families – to protect those among us who are most vulnerable,” he stressed.
President Ramaphosa called for collective action and vigilance. He urged South Africans to buy food only from licensed establishments that observe safety regulations and to educate their children about food safety.
“Each of us needs to be better informed about the risks of pesticides and other dangerous products. By working together, by enforcing the law, by being alert and responsible, we will be able to bring an end to these tragedies,” he concluded.
