Ramaphosa announces sweeping changes to get harmful pesticides off SA streets

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced sweeping changes in a bid to get harmful pesticides off of South Africa’s streets and shelves. 

This will see spaza shops forced to register in the municipalities they operate within 21 days. 

He's also called for spaza shops implicated in the deaths of children to be shut down.

Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Friday evening, following a rise in reported cases of foodborne illnesses and deaths.

IN FULL: Ramaphosa on govt's measures to deal with foodborne illnesses

He said there had been 890 reported cases, which have left at least 22 children dead.
 
Following an outcry from the nation, President Ramaphosa presented Cabinet's plan to curb a rise in cases of illnesses and deaths linked to harmful pesticides.

He said that while the anger and frustration was warranted, he called on South Africa to unite in the face of the unfolding crisis.

Ramaphosa said that his government adopted a multi-disciplinary approach when it heard of the first deaths from the toxins.

"These teams included detectives from the South African Police Service, health officials, environmental inspectors, Department of Agriculture officials and officials from the National Consumer Commission," he explained.

The president also set out three interventions for addressing the issue. These included getting dangerous pesticides off the streets, protecting children from exposure and preventing future outbreaks.

Ramaphosa said that this would mean all food-handling facilities must be registered within 21 days.

"Any shop that is not registered within 21 days and does not meet all health standards and requirements will be closed. The South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies will be required to investigate, arrest and prosecute offenders," Ramaphosa said.

The president added that a ministerial health advisory committee was being established, as the country continues to respond to the crisis.