Parliament awaits update on stakeholder consultations as pressure mounts to phase out terbufos and other toxic agrochemicals.
The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture is expecting a critical update from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) by mid-June regarding ongoing consultations with stakeholders on the potential ban of terbufos and other highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) currently in use in South Africa.
This follows a joint briefing to the committee last week by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the South African People’s Tribunal on AgroToxins (SAPToA), which outlined deepening concerns about the health and environmental impact of toxic agrochemicals used in the country’s agricultural sector.
192 Hazardous Pesticides in Use
According to preliminary findings shared in the briefing, South Africa currently allows the legal use of 192 HHPs, including terbufos—a substance widely banned elsewhere. Fifty-seven of these pesticides are banned in the European Union, yet remain in circulation locally. Furthermore, 36 are classified under the most hazardous category, while only 16 face any form of ban or restriction in South Africa.
Although the final SAHRC-SAPToA report has not yet been released, SAHRC Commissioner Philile Ntuli emphasized that the commission is seriously concerned about the continued use of HHPs.
“We are calling on Parliament and government to act urgently. These chemicals pose serious risks to human rights, including the rights to health and a safe environment,” Ntuli said.
Parliament Pledges Stronger Oversight
Dina Pule, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to promoting regenerative agriculture and supporting the use of ecologically-friendly alternatives already adopted in many other countries.
“Government is obligated by the Constitution and international agreements to protect human lives and the environment for the benefit of future generations,” Pule said.
She added that the committee will intensify its oversight role and collaborate with other relevant parliamentary committees to ensure that South Africa honors its international obligations.
“This includes pressing the Department of Agriculture to review and update outdated laws, such as the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act 36 of 1947, which still governs pesticide use.”
Industry Weighs In
The proposed phase-out of certain pesticides has stirred debate within the agricultural sector. Elriza Theron, advocacy and communications manager at CropLife South Africa, acknowledged the need for regulation but emphasized the importance of giving farmers access to effective pest control.
“Chemicals are essential tools for protecting crops. However, their use must not endanger health or the environment,” she said. “If products like terbufos are to be phased out, viable alternatives must be available. Developing these takes time and rigorous testing to ensure safety and effectiveness.”
Civil Society Pushes for Inclusive Transition
Environmental and health advocacy groups say the process must include multi-stakeholder engagement and prioritize safer alternatives.
Rico Euripidou, chemical campaigns coordinator at groundWork, said a gradual but firm transition is possible and necessary.
“We have alternatives to HHPs like terbufos, but implementation must be collaborative,” he said. “A pragmatic approach means phasing out the worst chemicals while ensuring farmers are supported through training, subsidies, and access to safer pest management methods.”
He stressed that solutions should be region-specific.
“What works in the EU may not be practical in sub-Saharan Africa without proper support. Still, integrated pest management, biopesticides, precision agriculture, and organic techniques must be prioritized.”
Way Forward
The Department of Agriculture is expected to present a progress report by mid-June, detailing the outcome of its engagements with industry stakeholders, environmental groups, and farming representatives. The decision could pave the way for tighter regulations or a phased ban on HHPs like terbufos, as Parliament moves toward more sustainable and rights-based agricultural policies.
Stakeholders across the board agree that the future of agriculture in South Africa must be both productive and protective—of people, ecosystems, and long-term food security.