‘Farmworkers demand urgent action on labour and health issues’ 7 November 2023

The National Farmworker Platform in Cape Town yesterday highlighted pressing issues faced by farmworkers, including pesticide risks, a lack of inspectors, and claims of daily hardship. The lack of political will to address the numerous challenges faced by farmworkers came under scrutiny on the first day of the National Farmworker Platform held in Cape Town by Women on Farms. Responsible pesticide usage, absence of inspectors, the well-being of workers, and claims of “daily torture” were among the issues participants appealed for government help to address. “We are dying because of pesticides,” claimed Dina Ndleleni, a 61-year-old former labourer and activist from De Doorns in the Western Cape. She said her working career was cut short due to exposure to pesticides at her workplace.

…Meanwhile, Moipone Jwayi from the Rural Women’s Assembly in the Free State expressed her frustration, labelling South Africa a failed state due to a perceived lack of pesticide usage monitoring and evaluation. She criticised the government for shifting blame to unions and failing to act on workers’ concerns, especially regarding the harmful effects of pesticides, particularly on women. In his presentation to the National Farmworker Platform, Jannie Strydom, chief executive of Agri Western Cape, emphasised the need to balance pesticide matters. He called on the government and relevant stakeholders to find alternatives to pesticides before certain ones are phased out by June 2024.Strydom highlighted the importance of creating a conducive environment for discussions between farmers, farmworkers, and the government to safeguard human health, well-being, and sustainability.

…Lumko Mtinde, special advisor to Thulas Nxesi, minister of employment and labour, assured attendees of the National Farmworker Platform that the government acknowledged the challenges faced by farmworkers. He encouraged suggestions and ideas from those in the field to help address these issues…Theron stressed that adherence to the law is paramount, with products needing to be used precisely according to label instructions. She highlighted the country’s robust regulatory framework, supported by acts such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which mandates protective clothing and proper training for workers handling pesticides. “Any person who does not comply with this, transgresses this act. In other words, the responsibility lies with the entire value chain, from manufacturer to farmworker.” Furthermore, she emphasised shared responsibility across the entire agricultural value chain, from manufacturers to farmworkers. CropLife SA affirmed its commitment to stewardship principles, advocating for the responsible use of pesticide products and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure compliance and environmental sustainability.