In a decisive response to recent tragedies, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has announced plans to ban the use of pesticides in schools across South Africa. The move comes after the deaths of five children in Soweto, who succumbed to poisoning linked to a highly toxic pesticide, Terbufos, found in their bodies.
While the exact circumstances surrounding the children’s exposure remain unclear, the incident has ignited urgent calls for stricter controls on harmful substances within communities and schools.
Minister Gwarube emphasized the need to protect vulnerable learners, particularly in schools where millions rely on feeding schemes.
“I will be gazetting and moving to ban the use of insecticides and pesticides on school premises,” said Gwarube. “As Minister Steenhuisen pointed out, these pesticides are designed for industrial and agricultural purposes. They have no place in schools.”
Her remarks highlight the broader risk posed by toxic chemicals circulating in communities, including spaza shops. By targeting schools, Gwarube aims to create a safer environment for learners.
With the school nutrition program feeding approximately 9.7 million learners daily, Gwarube has also been in talks with provincial education departments to tighten safety protocols.
“The priority is ensuring that the school nutrition program is not compromised,” she said. “Food handlers and distributors must adhere to strict guidelines to prevent contamination and exposure to harmful substances.”Next Steps
The proposed regulations will not only ban pesticides on school premises but also enforce stricter oversight of food handling practices. These measures aim to restore confidence in the safety of school meals while protecting learners from similar tragedies.
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Source: EWN:
