Statement on the Supreme Court decision on GMO’s a victory for health and sovereignty

4 November 2024

uMkhonto weSizwe Party proudly hails the landmark decision by South Africa's Supreme Court, which reversed the approval of Monsanto's genetically modified (GMO) drought-resistant maize. This ruling, a triumph for the African Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), underscores the critical need to prioritize the health and well-being of our people and environment over corporate interests.

For nearly three decades, the Executive Council of the GMO Act has approved Western GMOs without comprehensive health and environmental assessments. This decision exposes the flaws in a system that has historically rubber-stamped foreign biotech data without adequate scrutiny or consideration of conflicting evidence.

The prevalence of cancer and other health issues in our region raises serious concerns about the safety of GMO crops such as maize, soy, and cotton. These crops, staples in the diets and daily lives of many Africans, may contain glyphosates, which have been linked to increased cancer risks.

The MK Party stands firm in its commitment to agrarian reform and food security. Our strategy is centred on empowering black farmers with sufficient land to cultivate organic, healthy food. Promoting organic crop production is vital for ensuring food security and safeguarding the health of our communities.

We urge our neighbouring countries, reliant on South African GMO imports, to reconsider their agricultural strategies and join us in fostering an environment of organic, sustainable agriculture.

Together, we can build a future where our people thrive on safe, nutritious food, free from the harmful effects of genetically modified organisms. The Supreme Court's decision is a crucial step in reclaiming our agricultural sovereignty and ensuring a healthier future for all.

Issued by Nhlamulo Ndhlela, Head: Media and Communications, 4 November 2024