Our country must join hands to keep children safe

22 November 2024

Yesterday’s inter-ministerial press briefing provided South Africans with more clarity on our country's action plan to stem the tide of apparent food poisonings that have been affecting children in particular.

No one should fall sick or die from purchasing food from their local store. Horrific stories emerging have shattered hearts across our country, and we have endured enough pain.

To bring these tragedies to an end, we welcome these particular interventions:

⁠- The joint fund to support small businesses will assist in bringing SMMEs into the regulatory space. Through this, we can ensure a national database to monitor the trade of goods;

- Tracing of Terbufos will assist in finding its network within the informal sector, as evidence shows that poisonings cannot be linked to our local manufacturers;

⁠- Efforts to bolster protection of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) will ensure that schoolchildren, especially those impoverished, continue to be fed healthy and nutritious food for their development.

We note the declaration of a National State of Disaster. Whilst such declarations can result in an overreach of power, the Democratic Alliance will maintain close oversight to ensure it is enforced responsibly, to protect children from harm. This should be our ultimate shared goal at this time.

Please ensure that you follow Government communication channels for accurate and up to date information and report misinformation to the National Helpline at 0800 012 322.

Together, we can keep our children and businesses safe.

Issued by Willie Aucamp, DA National Spokesperson, 22 November 2024